Scouting the Mid-Suburban League boys and girls golf championships
Mid-Suburban girls golf championship
When: Monday, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start
Hosted by: Prospect
Where: Mount Prospect Golf Club, par 71
Defending champion: Barrington, three years running
Team outlook: Barrington is the obvious favorite after stretching its undefeated conference dual-meet run to four seasons. But don't look past Prospect. Although the Knights lost in conference play, they have edged the Fillies at other tournaments. A great round by the consistent Knights (on their home course) could make things interesting. Both teams' depth means they will be well-represented on the leaderboard. There is also a real battle for the third spot that could see many teams -- including Hersey, Rolling Meadows and Conant -- contending.
Individuals to watch: Conant's Kris Yoo has her own little sweep going -- she has topped every MSL dual meet as an individual. She's shot several rounds this season under par. The pressure she faced last year as a freshman is gone as she's gained experience, confidence and momentum. Also keep an eye on Hersey's up-and-coming sophomore, Catherine Park.
What they're saying:
"We're familiar with the course. The girls have been on it this year. We control our own destiny. We have to focus on each shot. Keep smiling, even if they have a bad shot. The nice thing about this group is the five seniors know how to get themselves ready." -- Barrington coach Jodi Schoeck.
"I'm happy because last year I lost a couple times. This year I was medalist in every round (in the MSL). I have that confidence that I could be (the conference medalist) as well as move on (in the postseason)." -- Kris Yoo.
"We're looking forward to conference on Monday. It's exciting for Kris. Her consistency has been the most stable part of our team. She pulls it through." -- Conant coach Diana Johannesen.
"We're playing real good. Every tournament we play in we're preparing to win. We feel good about our home course and we're just going to go out and perform. The golf course is so nice to us. The park district and the staff out at Mount Prospect Golf Club are just awesome." -- Prospect coach Jim Hamann.
-- Bill Swick Mid-Suburban League boy golf championship
When: Monday, Sept. 24, 8:30 a.m.
Where: Arboretum Club, Buffalo Grove
Host school: Fremd
Defending co-champions: Barrington, Rolling Meadows
Team race: Barrington heads into the championship match undefeated in MSL play in a scoring system that gives equal weight to conference play and tournament finish. Hersey is next with a 9-2 record. Rolling Meadows, last season's co-champion with the Broncos, has lost three times in league play.
Individuals to watch: The competition for individual medalist is wide open. Fremd senior Erik Peterson won the Inverness Invitational this year and looks to make it two in a row at the MSL championship. Ross Frankenberg of Barrington will be a formidable threat, and Hersey has several golfers that could rise to the top, including Jimmy Morrow (victorious at the Biltmore Invite). Watch out for Dan Alsup of Meadows, Wheeling's Joe Kent, and Charlie Douglas of the Broncos.
What they're saying:
"We feel good about our chances, but this is the strongest the conference has been in years. I really feel that top to bottom, any team can beat any other team." -- Barrington coach Mike Kallenbach
"We're playing well, but we need a little help. (Recently) we did beat Barrington at Chevy Chase (the Wheeling Invitational.)" -- Hersey coach Dan Caporusso
"We have a chance. We have to win the tournament and hope that Barrington finishes fourth." -- Rolling Meadows coach Todd Schaap
"I want our team to put together a good 18-hole score, win the tournament and prepare for regionals and sectionals." -- Fremd coach Josh Teschner (4 losses heading into the tourney)
-- Bill Esbrook