Boys tennis team takes state title
The Moorestown High School boys’ tennis team just finished the season 30–6 and won both the South Jersey Group III title and the State Group III title. But don’t try to give Coach Bill Kingston any of the credit.
“This team gave some great performances all season,” Kingston said. “They played their best at the right time against the right opponents and that’s what you need to do to win.”
Moorestown defeated Demarest on May 20 to win the state Group III title. It’s the Quakers’ sixth Group III crown, winning previously in 1978, 1981, 2004, 2007 and 2008. Kingston, who recorded victory №1,000 as a coach earlier this season, was quick to deflect any credit onto his team.
“To be successful, you do need some luck, to play against the right opponents but you also need to work hard all season to obtain any goal and that is what this team did,” Kingston said.
Senior Ryan Dickerson, whose record stood at 38–0 as this issue went to print, led Moorestown all season. Dickerson won his match 6–1, 6–0, to help the Quakers take the Group III title. He was scheduled to play in the state individual tournament June 1–2.
“Ryan is a great player,” Kingston said. “He’s worked all year to get where he is now.”
Moorestown is no stranger to success. Kingston’s teams have won South Jersey titles every season since 1977 except 2005.
“Our goal every season is to compete for a state championship,” Kingston said. “That is not an easy goal to obtain.”
The Quakers’ great run did come to an end May 29 at the Tournament of Champions when they were defeated by top-seeded Millburn, 4–1. Kingston was proud of his team despite the defeat.
“They played extremely hard,” Kingston said. “Against a more experienced team, that’s all you want and our guys went out there and competed hard.”
With three seniors departing, Kingston knows it will be difficult to repeat this season’s success but that doesn’t mean he’s lowering expectations.
“You don’t just replace them by any means,” Kingston said. “It gives the opportunity for other players to step up.”
He was reluctant to discuss next season any further.
“I want our guys to enjoy what they accomplished this season,” Kingston said. “We had a very successful year and accomplished many of the goals we set before the season. We will take the time to celebrate as a team.”
