C4 SATURDAY, AUGUST 12, 2006
HIGH SCHOOLS
Boys' goH preview
St. X, Moeller lead the way in GCL Lakota East tops in GMC; Mason, Kings FAVC picks By Mike Dyer Enquirer staff writer
Despite his team's third-place finish at state last season, St. Xavier coach Brian Shircliff said nothing is a given when it comes to area and state golf competition this year. Seniors Rob Stewart and Mark Burch return from the Bombers' state team, and senior Jake Daly emerged this summer after he was a sixth man last season. "We have a great crew of guys," Shircliff said. "I think there are definitely challenges ahead of us. The (teams) are very strong locally and statewide." Despite the graduation of top players Andrew Mock (Miami), who was third at state, and Alex Martin (Indiana), who was seventh, Shircliff believes someone will prove to be a leader. "Last year it was a senior-oriented (state tournament) across the board," Shircliff said. "Tilis year there is great depth." Depth is an asset for Moeller, which was fourth at state, and returns cousins Mark and Matt Reinhold. Both started last season as juniors. Senior Zak Wilken (sixth man) also will lead the squad for coach Rick Bohne. The Crusaders finished in the
A.ssoc:ated Press !, e o~.o1D
Wyoming's Kurt Henthorn, who was eighth last year at state as a junior, leads the returnees for the Division II runner-up Cowboys.
top 5ve at state for the fourth consecLtive year. "Moeller and St. X is the same stor1," La Salle coach Jon Feldkamp said. "(But) I think last year we ;howed we can compete with them too." The Lar.cers finished third in the Gre1ter Catholic League South division last season, but three seniors and two juniors give Feldkamp reason for optimism. In the Greater Miami Conference, Lakota East should have a strong squad with senior Nick Proud and sophomore Aidan] aved. ¡: think those two would be very disappointed if they didn't go to
state," Lakota East coach _iej Combs said. Fairfield senior Michael Brown returns for new coach Jeff Sims, who succeeds veteran coach Skn Kessler. The Indians have five returnees, three of whom were on :he squad that nlissed qualifying for state by one stroke. Mason, which returns con..:erence player of the year Ch1se Conn, and Kings also should be strong in the Fort Ancient Va1ey Conference.
featuring senior Kurt Henthorn, who was eighth at state. "In my mind, Wyoming is still the team to beat," Mariemont coach Dave Wainscott said. Wyoming also will be led by senior Jim Howard and junior Brendan Fogel. "I think we will be OK," Wyonling coach Steve Waxman said. "I never expected to be as good as we were last year, but I was pleasantly surprised." Although not at the same level as Wyoming, Mariemont and Indian Hill will be competitive in the Cincinnati Hills League. Fenwick senior Jarryd Lentz won the Division II state individual title, and coach Joe Wagner said Lentz has been 10 or 15 yards longer off the tee this summer. Four starters return for Fenwick, which was lith at state. Seniors Mike Mosko, Ben Richardson and Joe Bruggeman should contribute. Batavia returns Southern Buckeye Conference National division player of the year Tyler Hawk, who averaged a score of 37.9.
Division Ill
Seven Hills was third at state after winning the sectional and district titles. Senior Jon athan Coleman was 14th at state with a 38 average for nine holes. Coleman will be joined by seDivision II niors Zach Wood (a four-year startWyoming, the state runner-up er) and Nick Bohlke (sixth player last season, returns a strom~ group last season).