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The Boonton Boys Tennis Team used simple math to figure out how to gain its first win of the 2026 season.
Although the Bombers lost 4-1 to Hanover Park in their season-opening match, they saw several chances to capitalize in their next meeting on Monday, April 20. The second doubles team had triumphed and Adrian Calderon played a close match at second singles with the closing set going to a tiebreaker.
So, if both doubles teams posted wins and Calderon got another “W,” they’d finally have reason to celebrate.
Calderon, a senior, prevailed, 6-4, 3-6, 10-7 and the doubles squads swept, with the duo of Aiden Taylor and James MacLaren sealing the match.
“The team felt ecstatic that we accomplished winning our first match of the season,” Calderon said. “It was hard since we lost half of our varsity spots last year due to half of them being seniors. We played great as a team and cheered for our players in a great way that motivated them to get us the win.”
Taylor and MacLaren defeated Ryan Mellage and Aldo Porras-Nunez, 6-0, 6-3, while being urged on by their enthusiastic peers.
As for Calderon, having to play extra points to secure the win was no problem. He’s been involved in two tiebreakers this spring and his mental game is solid.
“I manage the situation in close matches by keeping my composure and not letting small details throw me off my game,” Calderon said. “Coach LaPointe tells me ‘Play your game.’ The small pep talk by Coach LaPointe really helped me concentrate and give me good advice when facing a fierce opponent.”
Coach LaPointe had much praise for Calderon, one of four returning starters from last season.
“Adrian is an incredible player,” Coach LaPointe said. “He is always in every match and is a very consistent player. He has a great return and really makes players work late into matches which is where he thrives.”
Calderon, a quad captain, was introduced to tennis in eighth grade by his uncle, who took him to the courts at a small park in Newark. He has never taken formal lessons but puts in extra time before and after practices. His older sister, Mikaela, held down the first singles spot for the girls squad before graduating in 2025.
Before he leaves BHS, Calderon plans to improve his backhand and forehand and win another match. Next fall, he’ll attend TCNJ, where he’ll major in computer engineering.
“I want to focus on my studies first and get used to the college campus life,” he said. “I would get a part-time job during my student years at TCNJ to make extra money on the side. Since my brother goes to the same college, I think I will have an easier time adapting to the college campus and meeting new people.”
There are other hardworking standouts on the tennis team.
Anthony MacLaren, a senior, is one of the captains and competes at first singles. LaPointe said that “Anthony has been an incredible addition to the tennis team. His game has grown tremendously and he has had some massive wins over the past three years.”
Another senior, Jimmy Cunningham, has engaged in several close matches at third singles. The first doubles team of Babur Ceynek and Daniel Van Hoven, the other captains, has been successful. The duo came through with wins against Whippany Park twice.
Taylor and James MacLaren have three wins at third doubles, including the one that contributed to the team victory over Hanover Park.
“It felt amazing to watch the guys get the first of the year!” Coach LaPointe said. “Most of these guys have been grinding for multiple years to get to where they are at… Anthony, Adrian and Babur have been the anchors for years now and have had extremely successful Boonton tennis careers.”
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