Scouting Cook County boys golf
What: Class 3A boys state golf championship
When: Today and Saturday
Where: The "Den"' at Fox Creek Golf Course, Bloomington
Defending team champion: St. Viator
Defending individual champion: Joe Carlson, St Viator
Teams competing: St. Viator, New Trier, Homewood-Flossmoor, Lyons Township, Lake Forest, Carmel, Providence Catholic, Quincy, Waubonsie Valley, St. Charles East
Top individuals to watch: Brian Bullington (Lincoln-Way East), Joe Carlson (St. Viator), Sean Jones (Fremd), Brad Klune (St. Viator), Corey Konieczki (Rockford Boylan), Peter Marshall (Lake Forest) Thomas O'Bryan (Waubonsie Valley) Dan Stringfellow (St. Viator), Jack Watson (Carmel ).
Outlook: It could be history in the making as Viator looks to become only the second team in IHSA golf history to record three straight titles. The Lions won last year and in 2007 after finishing second in 2006, and a senior-laden squad that includes Carlson, Klune and Stringfellow (Glenbrook North sectional medalist) will be the favorites going in. The stiffest competition should come from New Trier, which tied Viator for the Glenbrook sectional team title, and another stellar Lake Forest squad. Surprise freshman LukeDeTrempe, junior Ken Wienckowski and senior Joe Ferrari of Viator are all capable of scoring low and contending for an individual title, while Fremd's Sean Jones should compete for medalist honors as well following his Mid-Suburban League and regional tourney wins. Jimi Poulos, Matt Maloney and Derek Leeney of Prospect will compete as individuals, as will Wheeling freshman Jack Ferguson.