By RICHIE HALL
CARMEL – It was a picture-perfect spring day at Prairie View Golf Club last Saturday, weather that was just right for an important golf tournament.
Westfield’s boys certainly enjoyed the day. The Shamrocks won the Spring Preview tournament, winning a tough battle with Homestead for the team championship. Top-ranked Westfield scored an even-par 288, just ahead of the second-ranked Spartans’ score of 290.
The ‘Rocks were led by their two seniors, Will Harvey and Jake Cesare, as they both scored three under par 69s, tying for second individually.
The Purdue-bound Harvey lit up the front nine with four birdies, while the Indiana commit Cesare did his damage on the back nine, making three birdies. Overall, Harvey finished his round with five birdies and Cesare made four, including one on the 18th green.
“I thought we battled today,” said Harvey. “Course is perfect, conditions were good. I’m just really proud of our team and how we fought today. Our (number) three, four and five (players), I thought did a good job.”
Both men were quick to credit the other three players on the team as well. Hudson Kutchma and Mitchell Keene both scored 75s. Kutchma drained three birdies, while Keene made two. Ryan Cesare scored 78, with one birdie.
“Me and Will don’t have to have our best stuff and we could still win because of our three, four and five, so that’s really nice to have,” said Jake Cesare.
The Spring Preview was loaded, as 16 of the top 20 teams played at the event. Both Harvey and Jake Cesare agreed that winning this tournament is a big confidence boost for the team.
“I think coming in here and getting the job done and just grinding, knowing some of our guys didn’t have our best stuff and still coming out on top is definitely a big confidence booster for the second half of the season.
“People who do good at the Spring Preview definitely do well at state,” said Cesare.
Twelfth-ranked Zionsville finished third as a team with 296, followed by seventh-ranked Evansville North, which placed fourth with 298. Guerin Catholic is ranked fifth and placed fifth at the Spring Preview, scoring 300.
Eli Wessel led the Golden Eagles with a one under 71, tying him for sixth place individually. Wessel made three birdies in the tournament. Brady Wagner totaled 74 with two birdies, while Johnny Quinn scored 77, making five birdies. Will Parenteau scored 78, also with five birdies, while Robbie Burt made one birdie while carding a 79.
Third-ranked Noblesville finished eighth as a team, scoring 308. Lance Decker was the Millers’ low man with 72, including three birdies, and tied for eighth individually. Tyler Marucci scored 77, Jackson Umthum totaled 78 and Drew Werkley carded 80; all three made one birdie. Dustin Turpin scored 81.
Eighth-ranked Carmel placed ninth with a team score of 315. Noah Johnson led the Greyhounds with 77, draining two birdies. Davis Hutchins and Ethan Hoagland both totaled 79, each making one birdie. Alex Gardner scored 80 with two birdies, and David Connery carded 82, with one birdie.
No. 11-ranked Hamilton Southeastern scored 323 as a team. Dane Starnes led the Royals with 78, while Brody Colburn scored 80; both made one birdie. Mattingly Upchurch scored 82, making three birdies. Kai Warner and Blake Babb each scored 83, including one birdie.
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