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Boys golf: Depth powers Libertyville

A hockey player when he's not teeing it up for Libertyville's golf team, Carson Darnall knows the thrill of executing a good shot.

He also knows the pain involved when a shot misses its intended target.

"I took a shot (playing hockey) and hyperextend a ligament in my (left) ankle," Darnall said.

Wednesday, the senior and four-year varsity golfer was back playing a golf match for the first time in about two weeks since suffering his hockey injury.

He shot a 5-over 40 on Village Green Golf Course's back nine, and while he wasn't thrilled with his score, Libertyville has more than enough depth this season to compensate when one of its top players doesn't shoot his best.

Libertyville junior Danny Keating fired an even-par 35 to lead the host Wildcats to a 152-167 win over Warren in the final North Suburban Conference match of the regular season for both squads.

Libertyville finished 6-1 (only loss to Lake Forest) in the NSC, while Warren went 4-3. The conference tournament is Tuesday at Veterans Memorial Golf Course.

Seniors James Schmidt (38) and Jason Ross (39) also broke 40 for Libertyville.

"We're really deep this year," said Schmidt, whose 3-over included a birdie on the par-5 16th. "Everyone has put up a really good score at least one time this year."

If the Wildcats weren't deep enough, coach Sean Matthews recently promoted freshman Alecs Slesser, who shot an even-par 35 at Shepherd's Crook in his varsity debut and took second with an 80 in Warren's invite at The Merit Club on Monday. Slesser had a 40 on Wednesday.

"He's looking really good," medalist Keating said. "He's hitting the ball well. His irons are pretty good. He doesn't hit it super far, but his short game's really good."

Keating parred each hole he played at windy Village Green.

"I got on most of the greens, and I was putting pretty well," Keating said. "Two putts and got out, went to the next hole."

Libertyville seniors Ryan Ginnetti and Mark Madland had a 41 and 42, respectively. Seniors Scott Johnston (44) and Bruce Jahnke have also played well this season.

"All across the board," Darnall said, "we're all within a couple of shots of each other, average-wise."

Senior Garrett Porter led Warren with a 39, followed by senior Kevin Borbath with a 42. Senior Steffen Nerheim and sophomore Andreas Ackron each shot a 43. Blue Devils freshman Nick Steinhilber, whose 36 at Bittersweet is the team's best score this season, has been on varsity all season.

Warren (338) finished second to Libertyville (326) at The Merit Club.

"It's been a good rivalry with them, historically but also this year, too," Warren second-year coach Dave Zaban said. "It's always a pleasure to play them."

  Warren's Steffen Nerheim lines up a putt against Libertyville in a boys golf match in Mundelein Wednesday. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Warren's Garrett Porter approaches his ball on the fringe of the 10th green in a boys golf match against Libertyville in Mundelein Wednesday. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Warren's Kevin Borbath tees off on #11 against Libertyville in a boys golf match in Mundelein Wednesday. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Libertyville's Scott Johnston tees off against Warren in a boys golf match in Mundelein Wednesday. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Warren's Garrett Porter chips his ball on the fringe of the 10th green in a boys golf match against Libertyville in Mundelein Wednesday. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
  Warren's Luke Behrens lines up a putt against Libertyville in a boys golf match in Mundelein Wednesday. John Starks/jstarks@dailyherald.com
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