University's Reo Asami

The tennis season is in its midway stage, so now is a perfect time to check in and see who is ruling this year's classes.

I have compiled a list of the top 7 players by grades.

The biggest factor taken into consideration were the junior rankings, however, it was not the only criteria.

Factors such as attitude, work ethic and importance to team were considered as well.

Feel free to leave comments on who was missed, or your thoughts on those included.

Like any list, there's always a few who probably belong but don't make it because of the cut off number, in this case 7.

I am starting with the boys who presumably will be around for awhile in the county scene. These players are in their first season with their high school squads, and for many, it's their first experience  playing in a team atmosphere.

Top 7 Freshmen

1. Reo Asami, University: Reo was the easiest selection of any player on any list. This young kid is a stud, ranked No. 1 in SoCal in the Boys 14 and under and in the top 10 nationally. Coach John Kessler is blown away by the Reo's seemingly effortless movement around the court. The only concern surrounding Reo is will he be around for all four seasons? If not enjoy him while you can.

2. Justin Agbayani, Mater Dei: At first glance, it's hard to believe Justin carries the game that he doesn. His smaller statue belies the power he possesses. He plays doubles for the Monarchs, which hides his talents to some degree. He has a potent serve, a is able to control his groundstrokes well off both sides. He also has good hands as evidenced by his doubles play.

3. Caryl Hernandez, Troy: If the Warriors seem like a program who never loses talent, it's because they don't. Caryl is the latest example of that. With senior Justin Thompson in his final year, the reigns will be passed along to Caryl, who has a court demeanor not usually seen in a such a young player. He simply doesn't show his nerves, and always looks calm. Maybe it helps to have the fluid groundstrokes he has.

4. Jonathan Hamel, Valencia: For the astute tennis fans, Jonathan's last name may ring a bell. His older sister Stephanie (UCI) dominated the girls scene at Valencia. Can Jonathan pick up the family tradition, and take the dominance into the boys game? It looks as if he has that chance. He carries one of the better balanced game of the freshman class, and his knowledge of the sport is a good as anyone's because of the blood line.

5. Eddy Kim, Valencia: Maybe somebody wants to check whats in the water in Placentia. Tigers coach Mike McCall lucked out with landing Hamel, but gaining Hamel and Eddy at the same time is as good as the lottery. Eddy has the ability to hit spectacular shots, and his consistency is beginning to develop. What McCall said he likes about both his freshmen is their poise, and willingness to make mid-match adjustments in order to gain the victory.

6. Gannon Daynes, El Toro: The Chargers have a gem in Gannon. He's flown under the radar to most of the county readers until now, but those on the inside know about this kid. He's going to be a top El Toro's lineup for the next four years, and will figure to already fight for the individual league title. He is currently ranked No. 10 in the SoCal boys 14 and under rankings.

7. Jonathan Poon, Trabuco Hills: The Mustangs had an idea what they were getting in this talent. Jonathan' s older brother Brandon is Trabuco Hills top singles player, and big force for his team. Jonathan isn't far behind. He is ranked No. 15 in the SoCal boys 14 and under. Coming into the Sea View League the same time as Gannon should make for interesting battles between the pair for the next four seasons.

More from the boys tennis blog:

• Boys tennis: Top 7 Freshmen
• Boys tennis: Athlete of the Week
• Boys tennis: Top 10 rankings
• Boys tennis: Playing with two forehands and two backhands
• Boys tennis: Laguna Beach picking up steam in latest victory
• Boys tennis: CIF team rankings (April 6)
• Boys tennis: Anderson big time for small school Bethel Baptist
• Boys tennis: Top 10 poll (Who made their debut?)

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