Trio of golfers will lead Trojans
Sports reporter
Returning two of the top 12 golfers in 3A from a team that finished tied for third at state has to make Hillsboro High School coach Scott O'Hare happy.
But he knows repeat performances from sophomore Daniel Kunantaev (fourth at state) and senior Justin Kent (tied for 12th) will be needed in order for the Trojans to compete with the best in the state.
"So much will rest on the shoulders of Kunantaev and Kent to shoot consistently in the low to mid-70s, which they are both capable of," O'Hare said. "Both love to play the game and I expect them to be very competitive throughout the season."
But the duo also will have some help.
Sophomore Daniel Dick, the only other returning letterwinner, will help form what O'Hare calls a "pretty good core to build around."
As of now it looks as if senior Gavin Serene, junior Jake Kenney, and sophomore Jared King will fill the final three varsity spots, although O'Hare said nothing is set in stone yet.
Kenney participated some last year in junior varsity meets, but this is the first season for Serene and King at the high school level.
O'Hare feels if everyone can elevate their game just one notch, his team can be competitive in the tough Mid-Central Activities Association League.
"As usual, I expect the league to be very solid with front runners being Wichita Collegiate, Hesston, Marion, and us," O'Hare said.
If Kunantaev and Kent can stay in the 70s, Dick can lower his average into the low to mid-80s, and a fourth or fifth golfer can step it up, O'Hare knows he will have a tough squad to beat.
"If they can accomplish that," O'Hare said. "We will be able to post some very respectable team scores and compete soundly in most area tournaments."
