The high school sports season is getting underway in earnest this week. The Providence Journal profiled the players to watch in several spring sports beginning last week, and that will continue this week with softball, baseball and lacrosse.
But now we want to hear from you. Of all the players to watch that we listed, who do you think should be the Longplex Preseason MVP in each sport? There will be plenty of time for these players, or others, to prove us right or wrong, but this is a great place to start as the games get real.
Here are the nominees for Longplex Preseason MVP in boys tennis. Remember the only way to vote is online, as no email or phone votes will be counted. The poll will remain open until Friday, April 3, at 11:59 p.m. So vote early and often, and tell us who you think deserves bragging rights this spring season!
Players listed in alphabetical order
Longplex Preseason MVP nominees in Boys Tennis
Gabe Anderson
Barrington, senior
Anderson has been instrumental in the Eagles’ success the last three seasons, and you can expect more of the same this spring. After winning two state doubles titles his first two years – with Barrington claiming the team title in 2024 – Anderson became a Second Team All-State singles player last year and helped the Eagles win another team title. He’ll be near the top of Barrington’s ladder as it tries to threepeat and should be in the mix at the state singles tournament.
Connor Ainley
Cranston West, senior
Ainley has been one of the best players in Rhode Island since his freshman season, and don’t expect him to slow down now. He burst onto the scene with the first of two Second Team All-State selections his freshman and junior years before taking his game to a new level in 2025, earning his debut as a First Team All-Stater. Ainley should anchor the Falcons’ lineup again this spring and will look to improve on his quarterfinal finish.
Tate Coker-Dodman
East Greenwich, sophomore
The rumblings of his talent didn’t do him justice in his freshman season, because Coker-Dodman ended up better than advertised. He wasted little time in establishing himself as one of Rhode Island’s top players, taking over the top spot in the Avengers’ ladder and showing off his talent every time he stepped on the court. After a semifinal finish at the state singles championship, Coker-Dodman will be on the short list to challenge La Salle’s defending state champ, Andrew Smith.
Ben Kravitz
Providence Country Day, sophomore
Kravitz’s debut season coincided with the Knights dropping to Division III, and no one stood a chance against him his freshman season, as he dominated play and the team rolled to the title. PCD elected to remain, so expect Kravitz to go largely unchallenged throughout the season and the team to repeat as champions. Kravitz was a Second Team All-State pick last spring, and after making the round of 16 in 2025, will look to go deeper into the state singles tourney.
Braden Lynch
Lincoln, sophomore
For another member of last spring’s freshman class, it’s going to be fun to see how Lynch’s game grows in his sophomore campaign. Once he settled in as the Lions’ top player, it was apparent that Lynch was a star. He showed as much in his debut at the RIIL State Singles Tournament, advancing to the quarterfinals before being ousted by Andrew Smith, the eventual champ. Lynch should be in for a monster spring and is on the short list of possible challengers to Smith’s crown.
Eri Ogunde
Cranston East, senior
His length, athleticism and long strokes make Ogunde one of the state’s most fun players to watch. Coming off a breakout junior season, Ogunde helped lead the Thunderbolts to the Division III final before they fell to Providence Country Day. A Second Team All-State pick, Ogunde has the potential to be a dangerous foe once the state singles tournament rolls around in May.
Jonah Plonsky
South Kingstown, junior
Plonsky was one of the best No. 2 singles players in Rhode Island last spring, and this year he’ll be more than ready to take over the role at No. 1. Playing behind First Team All-Stater Elliot Roman, Plonsky found his game and won plenty in 2025. He showed he was more than just a No. 2 by reaching the Round of 16 at the state singles tournament. Plonsky should continue to find success atop the ladder this spring, and watch for him as a dark horse at the state singles tournament.
Henry Seeley
East Greenwich, senior
One of the best athletes in the sport, Seeley saw his game explode in his junior season as he proved he was one of Rhode Island’s top talents. Power has never been a problem for the Avenger, but last year his game became more well-rounded, and it showed with his quarterfinal run at the state singles tournament. Paired with Tate Coker-Dodman, EG has the best 1-2 punch in the state, and Seeley’s talent will be crucial as the Avengers try to get back to Slater Park after losing to Barrington in the final in 2025.
Andrew Smith
La Salle, senior
Smith looked like a star from his freshman season, and over the last three seasons, he’s established himself as one of the best players Rhode Island has seen in the last 25 years. After back-to-back semifinal appearances at the state singles tournament, Smith advanced to last year’s final and was brilliant in his win over teammate Joe Cavanagh. Expect more greatness in his senior season, as the 6-foot-5 senior will put his power, speed and finesse on display while trying to become La Salle’s first two-time singles champ.
Luca Testa
Hendricken, senior
Testa showed promise as a freshman, became a Second Team All-Stater in his sophomore campaign and revved up his game last spring, earning First Team All-State honors. What will senior year bring? Testa should anchor the Hawks’ ladder and should perform well against some pretty tough competition throughout the spring. Last spring Testa made the quarterfinals at the state singles tournament, and he’ll have a chance to earn a semifinal spot – or more – in his final campaign.