Grayslake North lays claim to regional title

Grayslake North's boys golf team is making shots count at the right time of year.

For the first time in the four years of varsity sports at the school, the Knights won a regional championship, taking the Class 2A regional hosted by Grayslake North and held at Renwood Golf Course on Tuesday in Round Lake Beach.

Grayslake North finished first (314), 2 shots better than Grayslake Central (316) 11 better than Marian Central (325). All three of those teams advance to the Class 2A Wheaton Academy sectional, which will be held at Pheasant Run Golf Course in St. Charles on Monday.

"We set a goal for this year," Grayslake North coach Tim Hough said. "We wanted to compete well in this tournament."

The Knights have been close a number of times this season before coming up short. They've lost three matches by 1 shot and two others by 2 shots.

"We've been so competitive all year," Hough said."It's great to see scores to put them over the top. It's golf, and that's the way it goes. We don't get a chance to celebrate, but it's a great thrill."

Grayslake North's Zach Boyce shot an 84, and his score placed the Knights ahead of the Rams by 2 strokes.

"It was a team effort and nothing individual on my part," said Boyce who was Grayslake North's No. 5 golfer. "I really didn't know coming in. I knew I had a decent score, but I didn't know it would be enough to get us the win."

Matt Bergstrom led the Knights with a season-best 73, shooting a 35 going out and a 38 coming back for the meet's top score. Sean Humphrey carded a 75, Matt Romac also had an 82, and Mike Gruzalski (87) and Tom Yadron (99) rounded out the Knights' top five scores.

"Mostly, everything went well for me out here," said Bergstrom, who was 1-over on the par 72, 6,062-yard course. "I came out and the first couple of holes I parred. I was even going into the back nine, but I didn't know how low I would be."

Grayslake Central, led by Eric Hogenkamp (76), Dylan Granquist (77), Colton Brunk (81) and Nick Wysocki (82), is pleased about advancing to the sectional, but the Rams are not necessarily surprised.

"We expected to get out," Grayslake Central coach Terry Bussone. "Recently, the guys have come together as a team. We've been really more consistent throughout, and it's good to have some depth."

Also advancing individually were Chris Edwards (78), Erik Hencier (83), Eric Swanson (84), Matt Alm (85) and Jake Zoll (85), all from Vernon Hills, as well as Matt Hirsch (84) of Lakes.