Benet waits it out, wins Dundee-Crown title
For the Benet Academy boys golf team the wait was well worth it.
The Redwings didn't let a 30-minute lightning delay bother them as they claimed top honors with a score of 303 at Saturday's Charger Classic, hosted by Dundee-Crown at Randall Oaks Golf Course in West Dundee.
"It was totally a team effort," said Benet coach Marty Gaughan. "Everybody had to deal with the delay but I thought our kids came out and played well before the delay and after the delay. They were very focused."
Benet was led by individual medalist Ben Johnson, who carded a 70. Jacobs' Justin Lenzini also shot a 70 but Johnson grabbed top honors on a score card playoff.
"It is an awesome feeling to be the medalist and help our team win this tournament," said Johnson. "I tried to stay focused during the delay and came out and played well. My game within 150 yards of the flag was excellent. That was the key to me shooting 70."
Johnson had plenty of help from his teammates. Alex Bassetto shot a 74, Nick Schanzer had a 79 and George Carroll an 80.
Led by Lenzini who had a 35-35, Jacobs was only 2 strokes behind team champion Benet with a 305.
"It is always nice to play on your home course," said Lenzini. "It is certainly an advantage. I actually thought I played better after the delay. I seem to have more focus."
Lenzini was backed by Billy Walker and Tyler Barrett with 78s while Joe Addante had a 79.
Prairie Ridge, led by a 73 from Cameron Karney, placed third with a score of 307. Cary-Grove tied for fourth with Crystal Lake Central with scores of 317.
The Trojans' top linksmen was Zach Beaugureau with a 77.
Fremd, which had a team score of 320, got a 73 from Matt Doherty. Crosstown rival Palatine was a stroke back with a score of 321. Trace Holloway's 73 paced the Pirates.
John Duggan's 72 was good enough to produce a team score of 326 for Lake Park.
With 5 golfers in the 80s, Geneva had a team score of 330. The Vikings' top golfer was Andrew Abel with a 80.
St. Edward came in with a score of 337 led by a 76 from Michael Mattas and Schaumburg was a stroke behind the Green Wave with a score of 338. The Saxons' top score came from Steve Bukielski with a 78.
Glenbard West, with a score of 340, was led by Kevin Nelson with a 75.
Host Dundee-Crown, led by an 82 from Jeremy Gregory, compiled a score of 343 while Bartlett was a stroke behind the Chargers with a score of 344. Mike Coyne paced the Hawks with a score of 81.
Both Hoffman Estates and Crystal Lake South carded team scores of 352. Hoffman Estates was paced by Jon D' Amico with a 79. while Ryan Benoit led South with a score of 80.
Conant was a stroke behind the Hawks and the Gators with a score of 353. Matt Crance paced the Cougars with a 82. Streamwood, with a score of 396, got an 84 from Chase Pantle, and South Elgin, which had only 2 golfers and didn't have a team score, got an 87 from Nathan Reeser.