Potter, Dover-Sherborn reign
Sophomore stays hot, team wins D2 title
BROCKTON — About two months ago, Charlie Potter turned heads within the Dover-Sherborn golf program when the baby-faced sophomore set the course record at Pinecrest Golf Club in Holliston, shooting an 11-under-par 55 with 10 birdies and an eagle.
So there was no surprise Tuesday when Potter continued his torrid run by capturing the Division 2 individual championship at Thorny Lea Golf Club, posting a 1-over 71 in raw conditions to edge Reading’s Brandon Vitarsi by one shot.
“After [Potter] shot the 55, he came to tryouts and set the course record at our home course,” said Dover-Sherborn coach Jon Kirby.
“It’s incredible what he’s done. He’s a great player. He can get up and down from anywhere and he’s only a sophomore.”
With Potter leading the way, DoverSherborn (314) also claimed the team title by two shots over perennial contender Bishop Stang, capturing its second state title in three years but the first as a D2 program.
Senior Tim Hill, who led halfway through the round, carded a 5-over 75 to tie for fourth. Grant Meyer (83) and Griffin Sipp (85) rounded out the scoring for D-S, which went 13-2 in the regular season.
“It felt amazing as a team to win,” said Potter. “We won a title two years ago and I wasn’t on that team. It meant the world to win today as a team.”
In his first taste of Thorny, Potter said he emphasized his pre-shot routine, focusing on accuracy with hazards draped all over the course.
The righthander plotted his way around by hitting fairways and greens.
Most importantly, he avoided big numbers, finishing with 13 pars, 3 bogeys, and 2 birdies.
“We came here and we knew Charlie was going to win,” said senior captain Sean Scannell. “We’ve seen what he’s done all season. He’s a stud.”
Potter took control on the downhill 192-yard par 3 17 th. With a 5-iron in his hands, he stuck a striped shot to 10 feet and rolled in the birdie putt for a threeshot lead. Although Vitarsi made a late charge with consecutive birdies, Potter escaped his final hole, No. 2, with a solid bogey to claim the title.
After winning a third straight Central sectional crown last week, Dover-Sherborn stayed sharp with team rounds and driving range sessions, paving the way for Tuesday’s win.
“Great course, great competition, I just couldn’t be happier,” said Kirby. “We have our good players and their games translate. I’m just really glad we have dedicated players.”