HONESDALE — Without question one of the biggest feel-good stories of the 2026 spring sports season has been the rise of Honesdale boys tennis team.
Under the direction of head coach Elliot Zackoski, the young Hornets have thrilled local fans by carving out a spot for themselves among the Lackawanna League elite.
Led by seniors Lewis Smith, Asher Eck, Nolan Haffey and Alex Curreri, the Red & Black currently boast an overall mark of 11-2-0. That win total represents a new school record for the program.
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“I’m really proud of this team,” Zackoski said. “These kids have worked hard all year and really improved. They have great chemistry and they’re so much fun to be around everyday.”
Following an away match at Scranton Prep on Monday, the Hornets close out their regular season slate Saturday with a non-league contest at Tunkhannock.
In a season chock full of exciting action, Honesdale has treated fans to many memorable moments both on and off the court.
On the court, one of the team’s biggest highlights came April 16 at home versus archrival Wallenpaupack Area. The Hornets wasted no time in taking control of this one, powering their way to a 5-0 senior day shutout.
Lewis Smith led the way, hammering out a straight set win over Paupack’s Jasper Hathaway at second singles. The final score was 6-0, 6-1.
Asher Eck also turned in a stellar effort on the doubles court. The battle-tested veteran teamed up with Matthew Christiansen to defeat the Buckhorn duo of Maxwell Bell and Cayden Marchisin 6-1, 6-1.
“Lewis and Asher have both been with the program for a long time,” Zackoski said. “They work hard and lead by example. They’re excellent teammates who really set the tone for our younger kids.”
Fellow seniors Nolan Haffey and Alex Curreri also contributed to the cause. Haffey combined with Kadyn Kinney to notch a win over Paupack’s Myles Mann and Kimar Horsford at second doubles (6-0, 6-0). Curreri made his presence felt in exhibition doubles, leading the way to an 8-1 super-set triumph.
“Nolan and Alex are first-year seniors,” Zackoski said. “They just jumped right in and quickly became a part of our tennis family. They’re both great kids.”
And in off-the-court news, Honesdale tennis players were invited to the local McDonald’s this past weekend for a special event.
On Saturday afternoon from 2-4 p.m., McDonald’s donated 20 percent of all sales to the team. Student-athletes and coaches alike turned out in force to help the staff in any way they could for those two hours.
“We love being part of this community,” Zackoski said. “We can’t thank all the staff at McDonald’s for hosting us and all the people who stopped by to show their support. It means a lot.”
Weather permitting, Honesdale will open its District 2 title quest next week.
The Hornets are currently fifth in the Class AA power rankings and third in the Lackawanna League standings, trailing only unbeaten Holy Cross and Abington Heights.
Barring any unforeseen upsets, they’ll host a home playoff match May 1 with MMI Prep being the most likely opponent.