Naperville North wins regional by 1 over Waubonsie Valley
The scoring conditions could not have been more ideal.
The field was as deep as any boys golf regional in the state, and the final results only confirmed the Links at Carillon was destined to be besieged with low numbers.
Naperville North won its first postseason title in eight years Tuesday in Plainfield at the Class 3A Naperville Central regional, turning back defending sectional champion Waubonsie Valley by a stroke, 297-298.
The host Redhawks, with John Doyle scorching the par-72 layout with a 3-under 69 to lead all players, eased past Downers Grove South, 305-307, for the third and final team berth to the Naperville Central sectional at Naperbrook Golf Course on Monday.
Sophomore Raymond Knoll and senior Dave Considine had blistering nine-hole rounds of 33 and 34 to lead the Huskies, who ran the table in their dual matches and finished the DuPage Valley Conference season with a third straight league championship.
Knoll played his first 15 holes in 3-under, only to have his driver desert him down the stretch in his quest to match Doyle shot for shot.
“I couldn’t get my driver going, to say the least, said Knoll, who played his final four holes in an equal number over par to settle for a 73. “My irons really saved me today. Overall I’m happy with my ball-striking with my irons.
Considine played his inward-nine holes in 2-under 34 to frame his 74.
Jon Mengel added yet another anchor score for the Huskies; the senior posted an even-par 36 coming home to match the 73 by Knoll.
The Huskies’ regional title was later completed with a 77 by Dan Considine in the fifth slot.
“They’re all great golfers, but they’re better kids, Naperville North coach Ryan Hantak said. “We didn’t want our season to end. Winning is just a bonus.
Last year Naperville North finished fourth at the West Aurora regional after a similar regular-season run of excellence.
Waubonsie Valley fell just short in its bid for a fifth tournament team title this season.
But the Warriors are still in optimal position to return to the state finals in Bloomington behind its six seasoned players.
Thomas O’Bryan, playing with Knoll, was also in contention for tournament medalist for much of the day.
Employing blistering drives off the tee with great course management, O’Brien was 2-under par after 17 holes.
But the Warriors’ leader had to settle for 71 after his tee shot found a water hazard on the closing hole, leading to his second bogey of the round.
“I just wanted to go out and play each shot one a time, said O’Brien, who had several quality looks for birdies in his 13-par performance. “I hit a lot of good (birdie) putts; they just didn’t go in.
State veterans Alex Koulos, Alec Meyer and Josh Stefan ski were the Warriors’ other contributors.
Doyle almost single-handedly advanced the Redhawks to their sectional at home Monday with his brilliant performance.
Doyle was at 4-under at one point on the back side after a front-nine 33 and an early inward-nine birdie.
He stumbled with double bogey at No. 14 but stuffed his approach to within 3 feet for his sixth birdie two holes later.
“I think it’s the hardest regional in the state, Doyle said of his accomplishment. “My putter was on fire. I have been struggling a little bit. (This score) helps my confidence.
Fifth-place Neuqua Valley (309) advanced three at-large qualifiers in John Walsh, Alex Sanderson and Kyler Kearns.
Benet (311) was sixth behind qualifiers Christian Luse and Conor Ryan.
Downers South had to be content with Mike Bubonic and Connor Harmon advancing as individuals.
“We came up a little short, said Downers South coach Jay Baum, whose team won its seventh straight West Suburban Gold championship at Carillon last week. “I’m happy with the two guys who made it.
Hinsdale South was seventh at 314, but the Hornets earned three sectional berths from Chris Kopp, Jake Kindelin and David Basa.
Ninth-place Metea Valley (331) was shut out of sectional qualifiers.