Ryan, Brady win District 1 crowns

LIMERICK >> Norristown’s Josh Ryan shot a even-par 72 Tuesday at Turtle Creek Golf Course to claim the District 1 Class 3A Boys Golf Championship, the junior finishing the two-day tournament at 1-under 143 to win by three strokes.

Ryan got off the strong start on a Tuesday that started dreary but ended with sun and wind, birdieing two of his first four holes. He added back-to-back birdies on the 12th and 13th holes for a total on four on the day.

Plymouth Whitemarsh’s Dylan Gooneratne and Holy Ghost Prep’s Calen Sanderson finished tied for second at 2-over 146. Both Gooneratne and Sanderson carded even-par 72 Tuesday.

Along with Ryan, the Pioneer Athletic Conference had three more 3A golfers qualify for next week PIAA East Regional. Boyertown’s John Engle and Owen J. Roberts’ Conrad Benford both finished in a tie for 10th at 9-over 153. Engle and Benford both shot 4-over 72s on Tuesday. Methacton’s Jeff Cooper earned a spot a regionals through a playoffs after five golfers tied for 16th at 10over 154.

Pope John Paul II sophomore Paul Brady won the Boys Class 2A title, shooting a 5-over 77 Tuesday to finish at 12-over 156 to best second-place Evan Menz of New Hope-Solebury’s 17-over 161. New Hope-Solebury topped PJP II for the 2A team title, the Lions’ 338 edging the Golden Panthers’ 342.

Lower Merion freshman Sydney Yermish won the District 1-3A Girls championship, shooting a 1-under 71 to put her two-day total at 7-under 136. Pennsbury’s Jade Gu took second at 2-over 141.

Strath Haven claimed the Class 3A team title.