BOURBON – Mace Eads turned in a stellar season a year ago playing second fiddle to his older brother Gavin in the Triton boys tennis lineup.

This fall it’s Eads turn to make the noise at the top of the charts for the Trojans.

Eads, who is the lone senior this year for coach Al Peckham’s team, is looking forward of the challenge of being at the top of the singles lineup for such a young squad.

“I’m definitely looking forward to it,” said Eads prior to a recent practice at Triton. “It will be a challenge, but I think that it will make my game better.”

Eads put together an outstanding junior campaign last fall playing No. 2 singles. He finished the year with a 17-5 mark, which included a championship in the first-ever Hoosier North Athletic Conference Tournament. Older brother Gavin won the conference tournament title at No. 1 singles as the Trojans finished in second place in the event.

“My main goal this year is to win another conference championship,” Eads said. “That and to make it through at least one round of the sectional.”

Peckham, whose team was 6-12 overall and 4-2 in the HNAC in 2015, thinks Eads can have another successful season.

“The possibility is there for him this year,” said Peckham, whose roster features mainly sophomores and freshmen this fall. “I expect him to have a good season for us.”

Eads also plays golf for the Trojans in the spring and plans to try-out for the basketball team come this winter.

“Playing tennis is just fun to me,” related Eads. “Ever since I was young I thought that it was a cool sport to play. I don’t play often in the offseason because I’m focused on golf.”

Eads points to the intangibles on the court that make him a successful player.

“I think that my big strength is my endurance,” remarked Eads. “I feel like I can go out there and outlast my opponents. I do feel like my shots are stronger this year too.”

Peckham concurs with his top player.

“Mace is quick and can run down and get to a lot of balls,” Peckham stated. “He can keep the ball in play and frustrate guys that he plays against. He comes out here to practice and puts the work in and does more than just what I ask of him.”

Eads also wants to lead the way for such a young team.

“I just want to show them that tennis is fun and that there is also a time to be serious too,” concluded Eads.

Triton opens the season at John Glenn on Aug. 16.