Boys golf: Scouting Cook and Lake County

Barrington is filled with talented returnees and high expectations following a strong fourth-place finish at last season’s Class 3A state tournament.

The Broncos did lose two quality players to graduation in Drew Schauenberg (Georgetown) and William Lange (Aurora), but senior Sam Uutala, a four-year varsity performer, is back to headline the team. Seniors Kyle Bauernfreund, Jon Radosh, Trevor Naughten and juniors Ben Bundrant and Charlie Blomquist are among the top returnees.

“Sam Uutala will have to step to the forefront as the most experienced returning player,” Barrington coach Bryan Tucker said. “We’re hoping the young talent will grow up fast to continue the success that the program has enjoyed over the years.”

Buffalo Grove had a big turnout for tryouts this season, but senior Cori Lee, a four-year varsity member and a state qualifier, is the top player. Seniors Noah Meyer, Harrison Metropoulos and Gavin Cloninger round out a talented team that also includes Tyler Campbell and Lukas Derochowoski to go with several newcomers.

Conant is aiming high this season, looking to perform well at the state playoffs, like the program did in 2024, according to coach Scott Cieplik.

Senior Peyton Kittivat and junior Jack Sunderlin are the top returnees, and freshmen Leo Enomoto and Patrick Kittivat are new members to watch.

“We must practice with a purpose and limit the mistakes as a much as possible,” Cieplik said. “Golf course management is incredibly important.”

Elk Grove enters the season with a strong core and high expectations, according to coach Michael Radakovitz. Junior standouts Aiden Dailey and Collin Keane are set to lead the team. Senior Max Piazza is a solid leader and will set the tone in competition and practice, Radakovitz said.

“With a blend of returning talent, improved depth and strong leadership, Elk Grove is poised to make noise this season and push for a higher finish in conference play,” Radakovitz said.

Hersey is coming off a strong showing last season with high hopes and expectations to continue the trend over the next few months. Winning the MSL East Division title last season, the Huskies welcome back Owen Spokas, Kyle Carlson and Henry Esposito from last season’s team, which reached the sectionals last season.

Spokas finished in the Top 20 at state last season, while the Huskies also have a deep well of talent to round out a deep roster.

Leyden earned second place in the West Suburban Gold in 2024 and performed well in tournaments. Seniors Kacper Kasprzyl, Filip Kretowicz, Joey O’Neill and Szymon Kretowicz comprise the main returnees.

“We have a nice core of kids coming back, along with some promising juniors,” Leyden coach Steven Siekierski said. “Joey O’Neill missed all of last season due to an injury, so it will give us a huge boost having him back in the lineup.”

Maine East is hoping four-year varsity member Andrew Greene and three-year varsity regular Jackson Slamowitz can spark the team, along with seniors Nathan Rumatowski and Douglas Meyer. Greene and Rumatowski both had strong showings in the playoffs last season.

Maine South lost two state qualifiers to graduation and is still rounding out its roster, according to coach Adam Kwiatkoski.

Palatine finished sixth in the MSL last season and fourth in the regionals, so another solid season is on target because of top returnees Darrin Dick, Bryson Landeman, Maddux Zapatka, Charlie Hulsebosch and James May.

“This team is going to surprise a few team with solid play,” Palatine coach Mark Johnson said. “We’re glad to have Darrin Dick, who missed the last half of 2024, back in business and he’s playing very well leading into the season.”

Rolling Meadows is reloaded following the graduation of several standouts from last season. Junior Tyler Ubert, a two-year varsity player, is back along with senior and sectional qualifier Richie Peters.

“We lost a strong senior class last year, but our two returning varsity golfers bring valuable experience,” Rolling Meadows coach Joe Szabo said. “Their guidance on and off the course will help our younger players find their rhythm and peak when it counts most come playoff time.”

Sparked by the return of all its top golfers from last season, Schaumburg is led by sectional qualifier Brody Hinkle, junior Trent Batalden, Kavin Shah, Ijay Patel, Jake Caruso and Brayden Patel.

“We look forward to competing in the MSL and playing qualify golf,” Schaumburg coach Chris Zickert. “We had a strong finish to last year in the conference and looking to start strong.”

Libertyville is looking to be among the top teams in the state after winning a 3A regional last season and placing eighth at state — the program’s best finish. The Wildcats will lean on junior Finn Sullivan, Luke Angelos and Andrew Huenekkens.

“We’re thrilled to see a new wave of young golfers with a solid core of seniors who will lead our program to another successful season,” Libertyville coach Kevin Wall said. “I’m really excited to see how we develop throughout the fall and hope for another deep run in the IHSA playoffs.”

Grayslake Central graduated five seniors, but senior Derek Caldwell and junior Brenna Mueller will both take on bigger roles this season. Shane Mussay, Logan Marshall, Elliot Ford and Daniel Bechard, all juniors, will be fighting for tee time on the varsity.

Grant is another team with upside partly because of seniors Conner Altergott, Paul Gravedoni, Doren Lundberg and Eros Rabor and juniors Jackson Georgia and Ben Martin.

“We start our season with many golfers who have gained experience from last season,” Grant coach John Eiduke said. “Hopefully, our returning players and our newcomers will be able to focus on the challenges at hand, maintain that focus and take one shot at a time.”

Lakes, which captured the NLCC championship with an undefeated record last season, is brimming with talent thanks to four all-conference players. Brady Cross, Henry Samulak, Colin Deatherage and Scott Sokolowski are all back, with Cross finishing 15th at state and Samulak earning 65th.

“We’re excited about returning five of our six varsity players, and looking forward to continuing our success from last year,” Lakes coach Kyle Baker said.

Mundelein is another team with high projections with six of the top seven golfers returning to the team this fall. Seniors Thomas Schoo, Ryan Phelan, Denver Russell, Matt Zizzo and Robert Lenzini are key golfers, with junior Carson Koenigsknecht another golfer with a high upside.

“We have more depth than we have ever had before,” Mundelein coach Todd Parola said. “I’m confident we will have some quality scores, but we need to turn some great scores in order to compete in a very strong North Suburban Conference.”

Vernon Hills coach Shawn Healey, in his 26th season leading the program, is excited about the return of Jake Levitan, Brendan Handoko and Henrik Lundberg plus is looking forward to seeing the progress of James Kim, Braden Sontag, Nic Packee and Ethan Chang.

Warren is looking to make some noise in the North Suburban Conference behind the talented group of Evan Villarreal, Oliver Rojewski, Jamieson O’Neill, Adam Weihs and Chris Volpe. The Blue Devils captured the conference title for the first time in school history in 2024.

“We’re excited to see the growth of our players this season and to see how our juniors and seniors can lead the way,” Warren coach David Zaban said.