Indy Star

 

By Patrick Dorsey

Ben Davis High School boys golf coach Dave Patz says getting through the sectional is one of his team's main goals each season. Since 2002, the Giants have done it every year but one.

That included 2008, when Ben Davis took second at the Southport Sectional, earning a spot in the Center Grove Regional (where it took 10th).

Will the Giants repeat in 2009? It's certainly possible, especially with No. 1 player Kyle Dickerson returning as a senior.

"We're hoping for some real good things out of him," Patz said.

Dickerson averaged 39.4 for nine holes last year, but showed even more promise at sectionals. At Heartland Crossing Golf Links, Dickerson shot a 1-under 71 to take second, helping his team to a 323 total.

Dickerson followed at regionals with an 83 at Hickory Stick, but Patz feels his top player might be state-caliber this year.

"He had a great summer," Patz said. "He played a lot of high-level tournaments, national tournaments, and competed at a level that I hope is going to boost (his) average."

Following him is No. 2 Paul O'Bold, last year's No. 3, who shot his best round of the season -- a 5-over 77 -- at sectionals.

O'Bold, a junior, carried a 43.2 average last year.

The third established spot belongs to senior Marcus Rhodes, a long hitter who averaged 43.9 last year but could drop that significantly, according to Patz, if he improves his accuracy.

As for the other spots, they're "not really sure yet," Patz said, but they most likely will go to senior Kyle Lang, sophomore Michael Colgrove and senior Caleb Terman.

In addition to postseason success, Patz is aiming for strong showings at the Marion County Tournament (May 4) and the Metropolitan Interscholastic Conference Tournament (May 23)

Patz said he's hoping for a top-five finish at the county meet and a top-four day against his "brutal" league meet, which features state contenders Carmel, Center Grove and Warren Central.

In the postseason, Ben Davis will participate in the Southport Sectional with West Indy teams Covenant Christian, Decatur Central and Speedway.

Elsewhere, Pike -- which tied for second at last year's Lawrence Central Sectional, will return to that event. Other area teams there will be Cardinal Ritter and Northwest.