Boys golf: Scouting DuPage County and Fox Valley

Hinsdale Central is aiming to win another Class 3A boys state golf championship following last season’s memorable run. The Red Devils claimed the Class 3A team title by nudging out New Trier, Evanston and Wheaton Warrenville South.

Downers Grove South is headlined by three-time starter, senior Cody Powels who also was a state finals competitor last season. The Mustangs have won 11 straight West Suburban Gold Conference championships and bring back Gabe Garron, Sam Chrastka and Bill Barrett.

“We look forward to competing in a very competitive sectional,” coach Chris Beranek said. “While young, we are eager to begin the season and look forward to competing at the highest level.”

Fenton is buoyed by a new batch of golfers to enter the program that increased numbers this season, but senior Peter Anagnos, a four-year varsity golfer, is the top returnee. Senior Logan Krajecki is entering his third year on the varsity.

“We’re looking to improve on last season as our golf numbers continue to grow,” Fenton coach Cameron Kopp said.

Glenbard East’s top golfers include seniors Matt Figura and Norman Loechel and junior Lucas Hernandez this season.

“We have a good mix of experienced players and young talent this year, so we’re excited to get on the course and see what we can do,” Glenbard East coach Chris Wienke said.

Hinsdale South has a pair of seniors — Braeden Koperski and Jerry Bauer — slated to carry the team this fall in a season which will be rebuilding due to the lack of experienced returnees, according to coach John Richerson.

IC Catholic’s top returnees include Stefano Buonsante, Seamus Murphy and Evan Madrigal, while senior TJ Panfil is a newcomer who will be a key golfer.

Lake Park is coming off a strong 2024 season in which four players qualified for sectionals in Sloan Voytek, Abhi Patel, Adin Patel and Henrik Wilson. Abhi Patel, a state qualifier, is a golfer with potential to make a run for the state title.

Metea Valley lost six seniors from last season’s squad, though Logan Ray, Alex Reed and Griffin Lavery all have varsity experience.

“There’s a tremendous opportunity for younger players and newcomers to step up as key contributors this season,” Metea Valley coach Patrick Brusveen said. “We have high expectations for Logan, Alex and Griffin not only to make an impact on the court, but to emerge as leaders for this year’s team.”

Naperville Central seniors Zach Boyton and Ben Wyllie will team up with juniors Graeme Cavanagh and Ryan Kong to make a solid group of golfers.

“We return four players from a sectional qualifying team,” Naperville Central coach Barry Baldwin said. “That experience, plus the addition of several players gives us depth we have not had in the past. The Redhawks are looking for a big run in the postseason.”

Neuqua Valley heads into the season slated to rely on Brady Chung, Connor Rodebaugh, Daniel Zhang, Drew Allen, while Kaden Kraemer, Tegan Clancy, Kyle Cushing, Veer Patel and Matthew Jacobson are golfers to watch.

“I expect us to compete for the conference title and be ready to compete in the state series,” Neuqua Valley coach Bart Carbonneau said.

Waubonsie Valley is a team with a competitive drive to succeed because of six top golfers back on the team.

“With strong tournament wins and competitive play in dual matches, we have a very positive outlook on the upcoming season,” WV coach Eric Flodberg said. “Our team goal is to advance to sectionals as a team and qualify for the state tournament.”

Wheaton North is another program that suffered significant graduation losses after finishing third in the DuKane Conference last season. The Falcons have seniors Henry Schlickman, James Gaither, Andrew Meade and Matthew Barton leading the team this fall.

“We lost some good players to graduation, but we have seven seniors coming back with a lot of varsity experience,” Wheaton North coach Michael Pribaz said. “I think we can improve on last year’s conference (finish) in the fall with our senior leadership and the help of a few talented juniors, led by Ian Williams who has had a great competitive summer.”

Willowbrook is led by senior Bobby Biggs and the junior trio of Kyle Yopchick, Cooper Coulter and Ryan Franz.

Aurora Christian is led by senior sectionalist Jacob Baumann, senior Nike Kaplanis and junior Wyatt Sifford this fall.

“Baumann and Kaplanis will lead the way,” Aurora Christian coach Andy Zorger said. “We should have a solid group of juniors to provide depth that was lacking in 2024. We should be poised to be competitive at regionals and hopefully advance as a team.”

Burlington Central is coming off its best season in school history, shooting a 620 to take third at the Class 2A state tournament, just four shots behind second-place Benton.

The Rockets graduated four key players from that team but bring back a pair of talented golfers, starting with senior Tyler Samaan who shot an 80, then a 1-under 70 on the second day at state to take 11th place. Tommy Wyse also is back after shooting 84-78-162 at state.

Dundee-Crown has to replace nine talented seniors from last season, but enthusiasm is high due to a strong core of golfers looking to be key contributors, including senior Will Sutherland, Adrian Mastalerz and Max Wasz.

“This loss of key seniors has created a pretty big void to fill, making this is a rebuilding year,” D-C coach Robert Sweeney said. “The goal is making daily individual improvements. I’m excited to help the golfers get better.”

Elgin had over 20 players attend tryouts, sparking optimism for a breakout 2025 season. Senior Ryan Steckbeck, a four-year varsity member, is the most experienced golfer on the team. Senior Kyle Phimmavong and junior Joshua Lindstrom are key returnees.

“Our team has grown both individually and collectively this season,” Elgin coach Garrett Mazade said. “The competition has pushed everyone to new heights and we’re excited to see our underclassmen thrive under the guidance of our experienced upperclassmen. The future of this team looks bright.”

Geneva has the talent to make another run at a state berth, especially after placing second in the conference. Seniors Matt Trimble, Logan Novay, Ben Clairmont and Nick Torrance join junior Blake Makowski as the top golfers.

“We’re fortunate to have a good group of juniors coming in along with a few seniors that have put in some good work in the off-season,” Geneva coach Eric Hatczel said. “We look forward to getting the season going with conference play.”

Huntley senior Austin Matich, an FVC all-conference performer last season, and senior Jack Policheri give the team enthusiasm for a strong season after reaching sectionals a year ago as a team.

“We have a number of seniors this year that we expect to be regular starters and put up scores,” Huntley coach Brian O’Neill said.

Kaneland is hopeful a strong group of players who succeeded on the frosh/soph level last season mature into quality varsity golfers. Returning seniors Nick Dziewala, Fack Frey and Marcus Simbol are joined by sophomore Dyland Pjesky.

“We have a solid core group for our varsity,” Kaneland coach Mark Davoust said. “Our freshmen from last year will be joined by several incoming freshmen. I think we will be in a strong position to be serious contenders for the conference championship and beyond.”

Marmion took fifth place in state last season thanks to Regan Konen winning his second straight state title, but senior Luke Feltner, a three-year varsity member, senior Milo Karner, Matthew Hall and Keith Piercy take over the mantle this season.

“We bring back two of our top six from last season,” Marmion coach Lou Solarte said. “We are young, but potentially very good team. We expect to challenge for a state tournament bid.”

St. Charles East is taking a new approach this season with the hiring of coach Mark Finstein. Seniors Anthony Solare and Ethan Crooke join junior Aarnav Patel to be leaders for the team. Aarnav reached state last season, while the Saints took third in the conference.

“Our top three of Aarnav, Anthony and Ethan are very good and will vie for medalist honors every match,” Finstein said. “As a team, the big question is who will step up after them. Michael Schero returns for his senior year and should be a key contributor. Beyond those four, our success as a team will depend on what juniors and sophomores step up and contribute that very important fourth score.”

South Elgin has just two returnees back, but that doesn’t mean the roster is thin in talent, according to coach Tom Bozikis.

“We’ve got two varsity players coming back, so it’s looking like a bit of a rebuilding year,” he said. “But there’s some exciting young talent coming in. These freshmen could surprise us.”