by Seneca Contomanolis
DigitalSports Richmond
scontomanolis@digitalsports.com
MIDLOTHIAN — The first time was the charm for
In their first appearance as a team in the state Group AAA golf tournament the Rapids claimed the title by six strokes at Independence Golf Course on Tuesday.
“I personally have been waiting for this for four years, to win a state title, and it just feels incredible,â€
The Central Region runner-up Rapids trailed leader Langley by one stroke after the first day but rallied to finish with a combined score of 606 (303-303).
Kellam shot a 612 (306-306) to come in second and
Langley had a tough day on the course shooting a 318 to fall all the way back to fifth. Defending two-time champion Frank Cox finished seventh with a 622.
The University of Richmond-bound
Sean Dougherty (75), Michael McLean (77) and Drew McLean (79) all scored for the Rapids during a final round that featured a strong wind at times.
“The conditions were tough,â€
Frank Cox senior Brinson Paolini captured his second individual title by two strokes over Douglas Freeman senior Matt Sizemore.
Paolini, who trailed Sizemore’s tourney best 68 by two after the first round, shot a 71 on Tuesday. He is headed to play golf at Duke next year.
“This being my last high school tournament I wanted this one more than when I was a sophomore and won it,†Paolini said. “I put a good bit of pressure on myself to go out on top.â€
Ji Soo Park (Chantilly) tied
Deep Run (616) made the biggest move as a team during the final round compiling a 303 to jump from last place to fourth.
After the final hole was played Jim McLean, father of Michael and Drew, pointed to his team’s chemistry and
“It’s awesome. They are a close group that has a great time together,†Jim McLean said. “And
RESULTS
(Final round at Independence GC, Par 72)
Team Scores
Kellam (306-306-612): Chase Duffy 75-75 (150), Wade Wawner 73-82 (155), Ryan Kilmon 82-74 (156), Trey Smith 76-80 (156)
Deep Run (313-303-616): Jason Schumacher 76-74 (150), Chris O’Neil 77-75 (152), Zach Schwab 78-78 (156), Mason Bryan 82-76 (158)
Battlefield (309-312-621): Andrew Lister 75-75 (150), Blake Forst 77-80 (157), Jordan Paster 76-82 (158), Justin Riley 81-78 (159)
Frank Cox (307-315-622): Brinson Paolini 70-71 (141), Chris Valianos 73-78 (151), Jonathan Harris 82-81 (163), Richie Salter 82-85 (167)
Top 5 Individual Scores
Brinson Paolini (Frank Cox), 70-71-141
Matt Sizemore (Douglas Freeman), 68-74-143
Ji
Nick Austin (
Joe Buttgereit (Forest Park) 75-73-148
Complete results can be found below the photos!