Young New Albany team to beat in girls tournament
New Albany will make its first appearance in the Division I state girls golf tournament at the Ohio State Gray course this weekend, and will do so as the perceived favorite. Oh, by the way, three of the Eagles’ top four players are either freshmen or sophomores.
“I’m sure there will be some natural anxiety about playing in such a big event, but not necessarily because you’re the favorite or you’re not,” New Albany coach Rich Ritter said. “Our girls are young, but they have played in a lot of big tournaments at the high school and junior level and I’m confident What: Boys and girls Division I tournaments Where: Ohio State Scarlet (boys) and Gray (girls) When: 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday Admission: $10 each day
they will respond the way they have all season long.”
The Eagles made a splash in the district tournament at Cooks Creek, carding a score of 298 for a 17-shot victory over twotime defending state champion Olentangy Orange. Sophomore Madison Spiess was medalist with a 71, senior Morgan Pankow (73) tied for third and freshman Anna Ritter (74) — the coach’s daughter — placed sixth. Another freshman, Kary Hollenbaugh, is the No. 4 player.
New Albany was fifth in the district in 2017.
“This is certainly something that was a goal of mine and ours coming into the season,” Rich Ritter said. “Our performance at the districts was in alignment with what we’ve been doing all year. In fact, we shot the same score at the district preview. I just ask our kids to be as consistent as they can.”
Orange and Centerville are considered the top challengers to New Albany. Orange returns senior leaders Ashley Au and Riley Dean, both of whom made all-state a year ago.
“New Albany has been great all season and they deserve to be looked at as the team to beat,” Orange coach Cari DeAngelis said. “It will be interesting to see how they respond to that being here for the first time.
“I can tell you from our own experience here that being the favorite can put you on edge a little. From our perspective, not being favored can almost relax you. There’s no real pressure on us like there was to repeat last year.”
Junior Leila Raines of Olentangy Berlin, a Michigan State commitment who shot 72 for runner-up at the districts, figures to be among the top individuals.
In the boys event at OSU Scarlet, Dublin Jerome returns to defend its title. The Celtics shot a 293 to win the district by 16 shots over St. Charles. In its 15 years of existence, Jerome has won seven state titles and been runner-up twice.
Seniors Jackson Chandler and Mason Wagner, junior Ethan Snyder and sophomore Tyler Groomes all shot between 72 and 75 at the district to pace Jerome.
“Chandler is back here for the third time and Mason and Ethan are here for the second time,” coach Taylor Harle said. “You can’t underestimate the value of experience in an environment like this. Our kids tend to play with a lot of confidence, but they know that anything can happen with 36 holes of golf.”
St. Charles also brings a strong pedigree, boasting two state titles and three runnerup finishes.
Individually, sophomore Grant Smeltzer of Olentangy Liberty and senior Caleb Davern of Central Crossing figure to be near the top of the leader board. Both shot 71 in the district, with Smeltzer winning a playoff for medalist honors. Davern, an Ohio State signee, finished fourth a year ago.