Lennox boys tennis returns experience, depth for 2026 season

With six of its top eight varsity players returning, the Lennox High School boys tennis team enters the 2026 season with experience and depth, something head coach Kevin Plank believes could make the Orioles competitive throughout the lineup.

Now in his ninth season leading the program, Plank said the returning core gives Lennox a strong foundation despite losing two varsity contributors to graduation, including last season’s No. 2 and No. 4 singles players.

“With our depth and experience, I expect us to compete pretty good overall,” Plank said. “Our goal is to go out every day and compete and get better, and then play our best matches at the end of the season.”

Among the top returners is Eli Plank, who placed fourth at Flight 1 singles and fifth at Flight 1 doubles during last season’s state tournament competition. Wyatt Holland also returns after earning consolation champion honors at Flight 5, while Duncan Johnson, who also returns, placed sixth at Flight 6 at State last season. 

Plank said the team’s depth should be one of its biggest strengths this spring.

“Our overall team depth is really good, which makes our practices more competitive and pushes everyone on the team,” he said. “And the fact that six of our top eight players are returning, and they are all upperclassmen, should help our team be competitive all through the lineup.”

Plank expects last year’s top programs — Sioux Falls Christian School, Rapid City Christian and St. Thomas More — to again be the teams to beat in 2026.

The Orioles open the season at home Tuesday, April 7, against Vermillion before hosting Madison on Thursday, April 9. Both matches are scheduled for 2 p.m.

“We’re excited to get the season going and start matches,” Plank said. “We have a few key early match-ups with Vermillion on April 7 and Madison on April 9 in Lennox, which will give us a good benchmark as we progress through the season.”

Lennox’s first road matches will be held Monday, April 20 at Tomar Park against Sioux Falls Christian and Mitchell. 

Team members for the 2026 season include Carter Beringer, Zach Boysen, Grant Buhta, Wyatt Crichton, Matt Dummer, Chase Gervais, Chase Hazuka, David Hofer, Blake Holland, Wyatt Holland*, Elliot Hoogestraat, Duncan Johnson*, Sawyer Johnson, Chase Lundquist*, Riley Nelson, Eli Plank*, Kodi Scott, Cam Smith*, Kelton Smith, Easton Timmermans* and Grant Veurink (*denotes varsity returner). 

A complete schedule is as follows: Apr. 27—Lennox @ Kahn Park vs. Brandon Valley, Sioux Falls Roosevelt; Apr. 28—Vermillion Triangular @ USD Tennis Courts vs. Vermillion, Yankton; May 1 & 2—Sioux Falls Invite @ Tomar Park; May 7 & 8—Pierre Dual Tournament @ Griffin Park; May 11—Dak12 Conference Event @ Tomar Park, Sioux Falls; May 12—@ Madison; May 18-19—State Championships @ Sioux Park, Rapid City