Hong primed for state golf tourney

Circle Christian junior Eugene “The Machine” Hong has been a dominant force this golf season. Now he hopes to lead the Centurions to their fifth state title this weekend at Mission Inn.

Reigning state champion Lake Mary leads the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 3A girls state golf tournament with 18 holes to go.

The Rams shot a 306 team total at the Mission Inn and Resort and are four shots in front of Gainesville Buchholz going into today’s second round. West Orange is third at 314 and and will go head-to-head with the two lead teams in the final threesomes today. Lake Nona is tied for fifth at 325.

“Obviously, we like where we’re at,” Lake Mary coach Dennis Burchill said. “We’re not satisfied yet because the job’s not done, but the girls are excited about it. We’re looking forward to it.”

Lake Mary junior Jenny Kim and Lake Nona sophomore Erika Smith both carded par 72s and are tied for second individually.

Taylor Roberts of Parkland Stoneman Douglas leads at 70. Mario Loza of West Orange is tied for ninth at 75.

“It really helps that we’ve got Jenny and Macy Someskey (77) who were here with us last year.” Burchill said. “They’ve been in this position. They understand what we’re trying to do .”

West Orange shot 313 in the boys tournament and is in second place but 12 shots in back of Tampa Plant (301). Winter Park is fourth at 318.

West Orange sophomore Grant Drogosch shot 71 and is one stroke off the individual lead. Thomas Brasco of Winter Springs is tied for 11th at 76.