Boys golf: Waubonsie Valley's Troy looks to take final step

Will Troy was in search of his seventh tournament championship last season on the final weekend of the boys golf season in Bloomington.

But the state tournament was truncated in all three classes to a single day after a freak snowstorm canceled first-round action in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Troy fired a 1-under-par 71 in settling for a third-place tie with Downers North senior Aidan Lafferty in Class 3A.

The Waubonsie Valley standout enters his final prep campaign with grand ambitions after anchoring the Warriors to a team berth during his scintillating run.

"My game feels really good right now," the Naperville resident said during the Warriors' practice rounds earlier this week at Springbrook. "I played really well at tryouts."

The elite local players begin their high school seasons after a battle-tested summer filled with high-level competition.

Troy traveled to multiple states to not only hone his skills but also attract the attention of potential collegiate suitors.

"I am going to make a (college) decision when the high school season is over," Troy said.

Troy has garnered widespread acclaim in anchoring the Warriors to a lofty status in the preseason.

With Jake Fritz, Kenton Esch and spot starter Alex Wilder also returning, Waubonsie Valley, the reigning DuPage Valley Conference champion, which also captured its first regional title last fall, has much of the attention in the western part of the county.

"(Troy) is the best player in the area, no doubt about it," said Naperville Central coach Barry Baldwin. "He can make a run at a state title this year."

Naperville Central, Neuqua Valley and Naperville North all have raised expectations as well.

But Waubonsie Valley has been collectively anointed as the team to beat.

"Going into the season, I would say that's safe to say," Neuqua Valley coach Bart Carbonneau said. "(The Warriors) have gotten better with age. They're going to be the team we're shooting for, for sure."

Troy, however, exemplifies the team aspect to a sport invariably associated with individual actions.

"Last year, that was amazing," Troy said. "We were able to put four scores together. We have more talent (this season) in our starting six guys."

Matt Newman is a returning state qualifier for Neuqua Valley; Harvey Wang is the surprise early storyline for Naperville Central after tryouts.

Naperville North coach Ryan Hantak, with multiple team state appearances during his two-decade tenure, is highly impressed with his five seniors at the top of the lineup.

Metea Valley is a dark horse at the state level, but coach Pat Brusveen returns five starters from a regional runner-up unit.

The West Suburban Silver will once again cast a considerable shadow on the local scene. Hinsdale Central will face a stern test in its quest for another Silver title this fall.

"I think Glenbard West is going to be better," Hinsdale Central coach Jess Krueger said. "Jimmy (Borel) at York always has good kids."

Of the multiple sectional returnees in the Silver, the Hilltoppers' Roscich bears watching after earning all-state status last year.

"It wasn't a one-day fluke," Glenbard West coach Paul Hezlett said. "(Griffin Roscich) has a great temperament. I am very optimistic. We have three solid seniors and a couple of quality underclassmen."

York has been pounding - ultimately unsuccessfully - the last two seasons to garner an elusive team berth to the state tournament.

But the Dukes' returning state qualifier Zach Sutter headlines a dangerous sextet from Elmhurst.

"It's doesn't matter who's No. 1," Borel said. "We are very talented; we have a pretty good team here."

Downers North cannot be discounted, either.

"From the coaches' standpoint you get to see some of the best players in the state," Downers North coach Anthony Calderone said of the rugged Silver.

In the Gold Division, Downers South looks to retain its league stranglehold.

"How well the middle of our team plays will determine how well our season goes," Mustangs coach Terry Tiesman said.

Glenbard South looks to extend its unblemished Upstate Eight Conference dual-meet streak after running the table last fall.