PIAA boys tennis 2026: Meet the players to watch in Butler County this season
Having the best player returning from a team that won a district championship a year ago brings with it a certain level of optimism and confidence.
That's the luxury North Catholic boys tennis has this season with senior Justin Garvey.
The Trojans’ top singles player for the third straight year, Garvey has the skill set that could not only lead North to more team success, but have him make another long run in the individual tournaments.
“He has so many positives to his game,” North coach Sean Malone said. “The biggest ones are his huge serve and the fact that he can hit winners from almost anywhere on the court.”
The Trojans are defending WPIAL Class 2A champions. They compete in Section 3 with Hampton, Highlands, Knoch, Quaker Valley, Springdale and West Allegheny.
The following are Butler County’s top boys tennis players to watch in 2026:
He's a seasoned veteran who won the WPIAL Section 3-2A singles championship last year before placing runner-up in the WPIAL.
Will once again be in the Planets’ singles lineup. He has a methodical and patient approach on the court, which allows him to survive long rallies.
Returns after playing in the No. 1 singles spot as a junior when he reached the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Section 2-3A tournament. He sets himself apart with good power and hits a clean ball.
Earned SV’s top singles spot last year and will look to make a tournament run with strong focus, athleticism and a spin on his shots that can keep opponents off-balance.
A doubles player last year, he has a chance to be a consistent singles player in 2026. Has great athleticism and is difficult to play due to his ability to cover the entire court.
He returns as North’s No. 2 singles player. As a junior, he qualified for the WPIAL Class 2A singles tournament by placing third in Section 3. He has a fast serve and a patience on the court that helps him to win long rallies.
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