The State Preview golf meet pretty much confirmed what everyone in the Indiana high school golf world knew already.
Defending state champion Carmel is very good, and clearly the team to beat during this year’s post-season. Meanwhile, teams such as Guerin Catholic and Noblesville justified their high rankings in the golf coaches poll as well.
The Greyhounds won the State Preview, which took place Saturday at Prairie View Golf Course in Carmel. The ‘Hounds totaled 291, winning by a 13-shot margin. The Golden Eagles finished in second place with a 304, while the Millers were a strong third with 306.
Carmel was led by individual medalist Nick Dentino, who carded a six-under par 66. The Greyhounds got consistent scoring from its other players as well: Jack Crawford was part of a large tie for third place with a 73, while Luke Prall scored 74.
“We continue to play really strong team golf, move to 56-0 on the year,” said Carmel coach Chard Reid. “This is the most talented group we’ve ever had and probably one of the most talented groups in the entire country.
“The nice thing about that is, every guy doesn’t have to play their best round every day,” said Reid. “We can trust one another and that’s what these guys do is, they’ve stayed patient, they’ve been really committed to one another instead of just playing individual golf, just realizing ‘Hey, it might not be my day, but someone’s going to go low.’ And today it was Nick’s turn. He shot six under today. Last week, Clay Stirsman shot six under at Ulen. So we got guys who can go really low on any day and we got five guys who can post a number in the 60s really quick.”
Guerin Catholic also had a consistent day. All five GC players finished with scores between 75 and 78; Andrew White was the low man for the Golden Eagles with the 75.
“My guys played pretty solid all day long,” said Guerin Catholic coach Mark Mathews. “Seventy-fives and sixes are pretty average scores for those boys, but they did play solid. It was a tough day today.”
Mathews pointed out that his team was the only one to have all five players shoot in the 70s, “so that says something,” said the coach.
The Millers were led by Clay Merchent, who was the individual runner-up with a three-under par 69. Jacob Deakyne was next in line with a 74.
“I’m encouraged,” said Noblesville coach Gary Sewell. “Coming out here, this field like this and getting third, that’s pretty good.”
Westfield placed fourth with a 312. Ethan Lutz was one of the golfers involved in the third-place tie, as he carded a 73.
Hamilton Southeastern scored a 318, with Daivic Akala scoring a 75 to lead the Royals.
Team scores: Carmel 291, Guerin Catholic 304, Noblesville 306, Westfield 312, Evansville North 312, Zionsville 313, Floyd Central 315, Evansville Memorial 315, Penn 315, Cathedral 318, Hamilton Southeastern 318, Center Grove 319, Bishop Dwenger 321, Fort Wayne Canterbury 327, Brebeuf Jesuit 327, Perry Meridian 329, Castle 332, Roncalli 334, Yorktown 338, Culver Academies 341, Warsaw 345.
Medalist: Nick Dentino (Carmel) 66.
Other Carmel scores: Jack Crawford 73, Clay Stirsman 74, Cole Harris 78, Luke Prall 80.
Guerin Catholic scores: Andrew White 75, Ty Gingerich 76, Ben Burgan 76, Conner McNeely 77, Keaton Modleski 78.
Noblesville scores: Clay Merchent 69, Jacob Deakyne 74, Joe Whallon 78, Chris Scheib 85, Jaxon Stutz 88.
Westfield scores: Ethan Lutz 73, Drake Biggs 79, Spencer Howe 79, Evan Bone 81, Joe Sawyer 85.
Southeastern scores: Daivic Akala 75, Adam Horner 79, Sam Smith 80, Mekheil Garcia 84, Sam Crousore 89.
The Carmel boys golf team easily won the State Preview meet, which took place Saturday at Prairie View. The defending state champion Greyhounds scored 291, 13 shots ahead of second place. (Richie Hall)
Guerin Catholic finished as team runner-up at the State Preview meet. (Richie Hall)