High Point senior guides tennis team

SUSSEX — Rob Sharpe, the second singles player for the High Point High School boys' tennis program this spring, completely understands and fulfills his leadership role as the team’s lone captain.

“Rob is the only senior on our team and is now in his third full varsity season," said head coach Brian Drelick. “He organized an off-season training program for the team and has been instrumental in building the strong team chemistry that we have. He also has experience dealing with success and defeat so he is a good voice of reason for the team."

Last season, Sharpe proved himself to be quite a sturdy competitor along with teammate Jared Alosio in doubles action, success that has definitely carried over to his singles career.

“Rob's record is 7-3 and he was a semi-finalist at the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament," Drelick said. “He was 14-3 last year at first doubles, was selected as Second Team All [Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference] and qualified for the state doubles tournament in Trenton."

Not only is Sharpe always trying ways in which to improve himself on the court, he encourages his teammates with enthusiasm as well.

“Rob has matured greatly since his freshman and sophomore seasons," Drelick said. “He plays with a lot of energy and his up tempo style can frustrate opponents at times. Plus, his three years of doubles transformed him into a strong volleyer, which is a great weapon as a second singles player."

As a program in general, High Point is playing at a very solid level this season.

“The team is 9-1 and in second place in the NJAC," Drelick said. “We have qualified for the state tournament for the second straight year."