Boys golf: Deer Park, Lynbrook are top dogs
LEAGUE I
While senior Robert O'Connell carefully plans his way around obstacles on the golf course, sophomore Kyle Morris drives his way over them. O'Connell's approach and the power game of Morris will be pivotal in bringing a sixth straight League I title to Deer Park.
They hope to fend off Matt Gorman and Quinn Dunkak of co-league champion Northport, which returns all starters and has the talent and depth to win the league outright.
Islip hopes to build on the team and individual success it experienced last year after producing its first individual county champion in Christian Dolan.
LEAGUE II
The competition shudders to think of what Frank Amicizia can accomplish this season. After leading Kings Park to a county championship last year, he tied for 14th at states for Long Island's best finish - as a sophomore.
Kings Park seems primed for a repeat but will be challenged by a deep Sachem East team, led by Ryan Mullins, and an experienced Hauppauge team that includes All-County senior Andrew Maung.
CONFERENCE I
After losing three starters, sophomore Matt Hirsch (7-2-1, 39.71 stroke average) and lone senior Casey Epstein (5-3-2, 39.90) take over the top two spots for Lynbrook, the defending Conference I champ.
Hewlett will be in contention behind a formidable tandem of Taylor Heath and Austin Huth. Mepham is rebuilding but features Adam Larkin, who is solid from the tee to green and will bid for a county title and a return to state play.
CONFERENCE II
It's a mix of experience and youth at the top for Jericho with senior Austin Landow (6-2-1, 41.7) and freshman Sahil Iyer (5-2, 41.4) hoping to lead a deep team to another undefeated conference season. Peter Scialbba and Jordan Woldenberg of Friends Academy will stand in the way.
CONFERENCE III
Jonathan Farber leads an experienced unit at Plainview JFK that hopes to overcome a Port Washington team that was unbeaten until a four-stroke loss to Farmingdale in the county championship. Kelly Shon may not be as long off the tee as her male counterparts, but she makes up for it with her short game and should take Port Washington deep into the counties.
CHSAA
The top five finishers in last season's individual league tournament were members of Chaminade, the defending NSCHSAA champion. League MVP Bobby Keating and his 36-stroke average leads the group, and tournament winner, John Reali, is the number two.
Christian Greco and St. Anthony's pose an annual threat. Kellenberg, featuring a solid all-around sophomore in Nick Anding, will be young but competitive.
