Scouting girls golf/Class AA state tourney
Where: Hickory Point Golf Course, Forsyth
When: Today and tomorrow, first tee-off 8:30 a.m.
Teams: Homewood-Flossmoor shot a sectional-best 281, followed by Hinsdale Central (297), New Trier (311) and Prospect (315).
Prospect outlook: The Knights are making their first state appearance as a team since 2003 and first under coach Jim Hamann, who took over the program six years ago. Kim Casper, the daughter of assistant coach Tim Casper, was a member of the last Prospect team to play downstate. “That team was great, said Casper, a nine-year assistant in the program. “This team has a little more depth and shoots lower scores. Allison Walsh shot the Knights' lowest score at Monday's sectional when she fired a 74. She was followed by junior Christine Garmoe (80), senior Rachel Lawless (80), freshman Noreen Caporusso (81), senior Emily Mick (82) and freshman Kiley Walsh (91). “I told the girls we are not just going down to participate, Hamann said. “We are sticking to our theme that we want to make some noise. The No. 1 thing is to have fun doing it. But the girls will be ready. Hamann has had them ready throughout the postseason. They were Mid-Suburban League, regional and sectional champs. “What the kids have done this season is not only great for our program for Prospect High School, Hamann said. “We are representing our community, families and alumni players.
Hamann says the Knights could not have enjoyed this success without the staff at the Mt. Prospect Golf Course. “The whole staff and head pro Jeff Langguth has been great to us, Hamann said. “Our scores have consistently gone down over the years that could not have happened without the Mt. Prospect Golf Course and park district staff. Hamann stresses that golf is more than just a hobby for his players. “The sport is important to my girls not only during the season but in the offseason as well, he said. “Some of our kids are three-sport athletes and we encourage them to be involved in everything. If you can see how focused these girls are in golf, you can see how special the game is to them. And let me tell you these kids have good character. Our community should be proud of that. The Knights have lost to only three teams this season Homewood-Flossmoor, Hinsdale Central and New Trier.
Barrington ace: Barrington senior Kelly Muskat gives Fillies Hall of Fame coach Jodi Schoeck at least one player competing in the state finals for the 22nd time in her 24 years directing the program. Muskat, who shot a career-best 72 at Bonnie-Dundee early this season, advanced from the Rockord Guilford sectional with a 79. “I am thrilled for Kelly, Schoeck said. “She has worked so hard for this and I think she will have a good tourney. Muskat said she needs to continue hitting the driver in the fairway. “I really have added some length hitting some of my drives 250 or longer, she said. “If I get some putts to drop, I have a good chance for a top finish. Muskat has been pointing toward the state tournament all year. “I established a swing that really works for me under pressure, she added. “I have faced many of the top golfers during the summer. I'm excited we get to come together to compete in one tournament. My goal is a top 10 finish.
Hoping for better: Stevenson sophomore Stephanie Miller finished in a three-way tie for eighth in last year's state finals when she shot a 152 (75-77). After scoring a 70 to win the Rockford Guilford sectional on Monday, she hopes the best is yet to come. Miller had 5 birdies and just missed a sixth on the 18th hole at Ingersoll Golf Course that prevented her from achieving one of her goals of shooting in the 60s. “I can't wait (for this weekend), she said afterward. “I want to go so low. State in the 60s. That's what I'm going to try for.
Lions rookie: Dana Gattone became the first freshman to qualify downstate for St. Viator coach Mick Drewes in his five years running the program. Gattone's brother Rick, a senior, also qualified for the 3A boys state finals with a 74 at the old Orchard Coutnry Club. Dana fired a 77 for sixth place at the Rockford Guilford sectional. She was co-medalist at the East Suburban Catholic Meet. “Dana has had a great couple of weeks, Drewes said. “She shot the low round of her career with a 78 at the conference meet and that was against some excellent players. She shot well at the regional and then she came back and shot her low career round in Rockford. Drewes said. Gattone has very good awareness on the course. “She is not just a kid who plays golf for fun, he said. “She is really into the game. She stays very ‘in the moment' and has a solid routine she follows.
Return visit: Buffalo Grove sophomore Grace Kil is making her second visit to the state finals. Kil shot an 86 to finish eighth in the MSL meet this season at Chevy Chase. She shot 79s at the regional (Deerfield Golf Course) and sectional (Ingersoll Golf Course in Rockford). “Grace is extremely excited about the opportunity to go down to state for the second year in a row, said Bison coach Matt Myers. “Last year was a great learning experience for her and she performed quite well, especially for a freshman. But as she continues forward, I think that she expects better things out of herself. Kil placed 35th last year with a two-round score of 83-82-165. “Grace is constantly working on her game and looking for ways to improve, Myers added. “Grace is playing well right now after finishing in the top three at regional and top 10 at sectional, but there is some room for improvement. If she gets her short game going this weekend, I think she may be able to make some noise in the state tournament. Kil's top score this season was a first-pace score of 74 at the Mundelein Invite.
New state course: The IHSA has moved the state tournament from Carbondale to outside of Decatur this fall. The Class A will be played at Red Trail Run Golf Course in Decatur while the AA is being hosted by Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth. “I think the IHSA made a great decision moving the state finals from Carbondale to Decatur, said Prospect coach Jim Hamann. “The community and golf courses in Carbondale were fantastic, but Decatur is a much better location. Hamann believes Hickory Point is a much more neutral golf course for all teams because of its location. “The golf course at Hickory Point is very fair and fun to play, he added. “Hickory Point has a lot of experience in hosting big tournaments. Hickory Point hosts a Women's Futures Tour event every summer. “Red Tail Run is a very fun course to play as well, Hamann said. “In addition I think hosting in Decatur will allow a lot more parents, friends, athletic directors, principals, and media to attend, which is important to the kids and their families. I think it will be a great state finals.