For Lebanon High boys tennis, the question was less whether the Raiders would repeat as NHIAA Division II state champions this spring and more who, if anyone, would challenge them.
The Raiders (16-0) had the occasionally difficult date this season, but by and large Lebanon routed its way through its schedule. Third-year coach Mike Haxton’s senior-laden squad never gave up more than three matches in any contest and capped off an extraordinary three-year run on May 30 with a 7-2 defeat of No. 2 Portsmouth in the D-II final at Bedford High School.
Led by a senior core of Jacob Peress, Terran Campbell, Noah Didehbani and Noah Ryder, Lebanon completed a 49-2 mark through the league over the last three springs. One loss came to the Clippers in the 2015 D-II final; getting Portsmouth back two years later completed the circle.
“It’s nice to grab another one, especially against Portsmouth,” Haxton said after the championship win. “We knew it was going to come down to us and Portsmouth this year. … To quote (Bill) Belichick, ‘Next man up.’ ”
In running the table, Lebanon showed growth in the game at all levels.
Top-of-the-ladder regular Peress became a more aggressive presence on the court, picking and choosing the moments to attack to improve on the strong defensive game he already possessed. Another year of growth turned Campbell into a more powerful presence, a trait that joined a preternatural patience he previously owned.
The Noahs — who provided the championship point against Oyster River in the 2016 D-II title win — gave Lebanon ability in the middle of the lineup; Didehbani was a team-best 15-0 in singles play while Ryder was a perfect 10-0 in doubles. Junior Owen Johnstone and sophomore Lasse Bisp rounded out the Raiders’ solid singles rotation.
Knowing those strengths with an eye to the future, Haxton integrated new faces and young newcomers wherever possible. Senior Graham Chickering didn’t lose in 10 appearances when Bisp needed a break. Junior Brodie McPherson and senior Peter Elder made the most of their opportunities, going a combined a 12-0 in doubles play.
Portsmouth had power at the top of its lineup; with ace Garrett Husslage out ill for the final, however, Lebanon had the Clippers at their mercy. The Raiders won four of the six singles points in the final and clinched the championship with Peress and Campbell at first doubles.
To further prove his improved skills, Peress advanced to the NHIAA boys singles championship title match a week later, nearly coming home a double champion.
“Obviously, it feels really good,” Peress said after defeating Portsmouth. “Twelve months ago, I was a lot more of a defensive player. I didn’t really hit a lot of aggressive shots on the forehand or backhand side, but now I’ve started to take the ball earlier. I hit with more topspin, try to hit more winners than I used. Much more entertaining to watch.”
Haxton will have a new challenge come next spring. Seven seniors graduate, and Bisp is returning home to Denmark upon the conclusion of his parents’ work assignment. It’s been quite the run, however: two straight undefeated seasons, two straight state titles and the ongoing reputation as the D-II program against which others will be measured.
“This whole team, they bonded together,” Haxton said. “It’s going to be tough seeing all these guys leave.”
Greg Fennell can be reached at gfennell@vnews.com or 603-727-3226.