It’s spring and that means it’s golf season for boys at all four Shoreline high schools. In the Western Conference Kamiak is the favorite to repeat as league champions and King’s is among the contenders in the Cascade Conference.
Shorecrest
Shorecrest is led by senior Jens Bracht who finished second at the state 3A tournament last year. Bracht, a University of Washington recruit, is a contender for the title again.
“He’s probably as good as anyone Shorecrest has seen, at least for awhile,” fifth-year coach Brian Story said.
Bracht could be battling Matt Rawitzer of Squalicum, who was in three-player playoff with Bracht and Hanford’s Alex Moore last year, for the title. The state tournament is at Bellingham Golf &Country Club which is Rawitzer’s home course. Moore, who graduated last year, edge Bracht and Rawitzer for the title.
Bracht is a 2 1/2 handicap at his home course, Inglewood Golf Club in Kenmore, Story said, and averages about 34 or 35 strokes on nine holes with the high school team. Shorecrest plays at Nile Golf &Country Club, Jackson Park Golf Course and Ballinger Lakes Golf Course.
Shorecrest’s No. 2 player is senior Cole Uppinghouse who shoots in the low to mid 40s. Sophomore Andrew Hewitt is next in the lineup and shoots in the low to mid 40s as well.
Uppinghouse and Hewitt have a shot to make it to the second day of districts if they improve this season, Story said, and earn a state berth.
Senior Tim Brickel and sophomore David Miller also shoot in the low to mid 40s and round out the lineup.
King’s
King’s is led by sophomore Calvin McCutchen, who finished 16th at the state 1A tournament last year, according to coach Myrle Carner. McCutchen is averaging scores in the mid-30s so far this season on nine holes. Junior Nick Hardy shoots in the high 30s and sophomore Price Coshow, who was 24th at state last year, shoots in the low to high 30s.
Sophomore Zach Watts shoots in the high 30s while junior Spencer Woods-Coston, who competed at state last year, shoots in the high 30s to low 40s. Sophomores Ryan Hoff, Ryker Young and Drew McCurdy all shoot in the low 40s and are vying for the sixth spot on the team.
Shorewood
Shorewood has a new coach in Bill Sugden, who previously was a assistant baseball coach at Shorecrest and Mercer Island.
The Thunderbirds are led by sophomore Max McKinley, who shoots about a 39 or 40 on nine holes. Junior Omair Kahn is the No. 2 player, averaging a 40 or 41, followed by juniors Riley Brindle and Ryan Maul, who average 42 or 43. Junior Pete Treperinais (44-45), sophomore Mark Greeny (45), junior Patrick Kane (45) and junior Max Friederichsen (46) round out the team.
“It’s a young group of guys, sophomores and juniors,” Sugden said. “They’re working hard every day. I’m excited about them. They’re a tight-knit group. It’s going to be fun to watch them develop and see how far they can go.”
Ricky McDonald, who went to state as a freshman at Shorewood, returned to the Seattle area after playing a golf-oriented high school in California last year but is playing for Edmonds-Woodway this year.
Shoreline Christian
Shoreline Christian fields a mostly inexperienced team led by senior Austin Van Belle, who averages between 45 and 48 strokes per nine, said his father and coach Will Van Belle.
Freshman Ben Turner is currently the team’s No. 2 golfer and shoots in the mid-50s. Senior Jonathon Stob is new to the game but is improving.
“They’re a lot better than last year but like last year they’re just starting,” Van Belle said.
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