Lake Nona, Winter Park on top at state
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS — Lake Nona put itself in a familiar spot atop the leaderboard in the Class 3A boys high school golf state tournament Tuesday.
Lake Nona’s even-par team total of 288 on the El Campeon course at Mission Inn & Resort was good for a two-shot lead ahead of 2018 state champ Winter Park (290). Tallahassee Chiles is just three shots off the pace at 291.
Lake Nona was in a strikingly similar position a year ago. The Lions opened with a 303 and led by two shots over three teams, including Winter Park. The Lions slipped to 311 on the second day, and the Wildcats came on strong to win.
“Last year, we couldn’t get it done,” Lake Nona coach Justin Johnson said. “This year, we have four [of ] five guys [back] from last year, and we’re sleeping on the lead again. We’ve learned from last year, and we’ll see what we can do tomorrow. The main thing is, we have to be patient, play the golf course as it needs to be played and hang on for the length of the round.”
The Lions were led by senior Austin Cherichella, who shot a team-best 69 (-3) to stand fourth in the individual standings. Luke Poulter carded a 2-under 70.
Winter Park on the prowl: Winter Park junior Andrew Clark shot a career-best 65 (-7) and leads the race for the individual championship by one shot over Gray Albright of Ocala Forest.
“He was in the zone,” Winter Park coach Rob Robison said of Clark. “Obviously, the game is tough, and Andrew made it look easy. He’s just smooth and very analytical at what he does and goes through his routine and had great shots today. He played as good as he can play.”
Robison said his team being down by just two shots is enough to build on heading into Wednesday.
“It’s anybody’s round tomorrow,” Robison said. “For us, you want to be in it. You can’t win the tournament on the first day, so you just want that opportunity tomorrow, and the guys did enough to keep us in the mix. Andrew played tremendous, and we’re going to try to build on that.”
Poulter, Aidan Kramer of Hagerty, Brendan Valdes of Dr. Phillips and Cooper Tate of Windermere High shot 70 and are part of a six-way tie for fifth.
Rams focus on comeback: Four-time girls reigning state champ Lake Mary stands in second place, but the Rams are staring at a deficit.
Lake Mary shot 14-over 302 on Tuesday and is eight shots in back of front-runner Jupiter (294).
“We’re competitive, and we need to take care of our business tomorrow,” Lake Mary coach Dennis Burchill said.
Rams sophomore Izzy Pelot shot a 70 (-2) and is tied for second in the individual standings behind Sarasota Riverview’s Jacqueline Putrino (69).
Victoria Hwang of Olympia is tied for fourth following a 71.