Chenango Forks, Ithaca, Union-Endicott and Oneonta are miles away from their competition this year in Section 4 boys’ tennis, with all four teams having clinched their division in the Southern Tier Athletic Conference (STAC) while conceiving no more than three losses in the regular season. Oneonta and Ithaca, who met in last year’s semi-finals, are having a better season than last, with an undefeated 10-0 and 8-0 conference record, respectively.
In the wake of the STAC semi-finals, set to have Chenango Forks face off against Ithaca and Union-Endicott travel to Oneonta, here are a few young tennis players who have been integral to their school’s success this season:
Jacob Conti (Union-Endicott, Sr. – Singles): Conti, a West/Metro All-Conference selection, played a key part in Union-Endicott’s first STAC Championship in more than 30 years and was integral to a stellar season that had the team advance to the NYSPHSAA Division I Regional Final. The senior holds a 15-6 singles record currently.
Jonah Jacobstein (Ithaca, Sr. – Singles): Despite transitioning to playing primarily in singles this season, Jacobstein continues to build on his success last year, especially alongside teammate Gian Haring–the duo captured the Section 4 Class A Doubles Championship title and secured a place in the round of 32 at the NYSPHSAA Doubles State Championship last season. Jacobstein, a versatile player, was a West/Metro All-Conference doubles selection (2025) and currently has an 8-2 singles record.
Ethan Temming (Oneonta, Jr. – Singles): Temming has played a significant role in Oneonta’s undefeated season, sparking an 11-0 singles record while winning a majority of his matches in straight sets. The versatile junior also reached the Section 4 Boys’ Tennis Class C/D East Tournament boys’ doubles finals.
Gustavo “Luke” Flores (Ithaca, Soph. – Singles): Flores has surfaced as an key contributor, stepping in to fill the large absence of standout doubles player Gian Haring. Flores holds an 8-1 singles record and earned a straight-set win over the SCAC champions Jamesville-Dewitt. The sophomore also earned East All-Division honors in doubles alongside teammate Anthony Iannelli.
Calvin Nichols (Chenango Forks, Jr. – Doubles): Nichols, a Central/East All-Conference selection last season, has helped keep the Blue Devils at the top of the Central Division this season, with a 7-6 match record.
Henry Boop (Ithaca, Fr. – Singles): Boop, a 2025 West All-Division selection, has stood out with a powerful two-handed backhand swing and his consistency. The freshman has achieved a 48-7 singles record, winning a majority of matches in straight sets.
Andrew Mancini (Union-Endicott, Jr. – Singles): Mancini was named to the Metro All-Division as a sophomore, and has continued to build on his skills this season with a 14-4 singles record and a 2-2 doubles record–notably at his best when playing with his brother Gabe Mancini.
Justin Samson (Chenango Forks, Sr. – Doubles): Samson has stepped up into spotlight and into a larger role following the graduation of Alex McMullen, who previously reached the Round 32 at the NYSPHSAA Doubles State Championship. The senior has a 8-6 singles record, and has won four of his last five matches.
Jack Kiernan (Union-Endicott, Sr. – Doubles): The doubles pairing of Kiernan and junior Afnan Bajwa has been one of the strongest of the season, recently topping Vestal’s S.Yarkoni/T.Andrews in a 4-3 team victory over the defending Section 4 Class B champions. Kiernan has a 12-5 doubles record this season.
Henry Hubbard (Chenango Forks, Soph. – Singles): Hubbard has led the Blue Devils in singles competition this season, holding an 8-2 record. The sophomore has also won four of his last five matches, with each win coming in straight sets.
Evie Chen (Oneonta, Fr. – Singles): Despite being a freshman, Chen has played a key role in the team’s current undefeated season, showing a level of consistency that extends beyond their years, with a 14-2 singles record.
Niko Iannelli (Oneonta, Jr. – Doubles): Iannelli has been crucial to the Yellowjackets’ doubles lineup, consistently adjusting to the playing style of every partner he has competed alongside. The junior has maintained a 10-0 doubles record since late March.
2026 STAC Championship, matchup schedule
Semi-finals:
Chenango Forks (10-3, 10-2 STAC) at Ithaca (10-1, 8-0 STAC) at 5:00 PM on May 7
Union-Endicott (9-1, 7-1 STAC) at Oneonta (12-0, 10-0 STAC) at 4:30 PM on May 8
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Southern Tier boys’ tennis players to watch ahead of STAC finals
Reporting by Aniya Sumner, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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