Indy Star

 

By Paul Shepherd

 

WESTFIELD -- The Westfield High School boys golf team already has lost once this season to Hamilton County rivals Hamilton Southeastern and Carmel, but the Shamrocks aren't apprehensive about facing off against their neighbors in next week's county tournament.

"I think you play to the level of your competition," said Westfield coach Rob Patterson, who's in his first year coaching the boys. "Our guys want those higher seedings when we go to matches because they know they're going to be playing with better players, and that will elevate their game, too."

The Shamrocks lost three of their top five players from last year's team to graduation and returned only two experienced players this year. Naturally, that's led to some inconsistent play this season.

"It seems like we've been on a roller coaster," Patterson said. "We play well one match, then don't play well the next match, but overall I'm very pleased with the way our guys have been playing in big matches. We've shot really, really well at times -- far better than I anticipated for having a younger team. But we've also struggled and showed some of our inexperience at times, too."

The Shamrocks took an 8-4 record into Thursday's match against host Harrison.

"Two of the losses, one was to the No. 1 ranked team in HSE and the other was to Carmel, which is (No. 8), so I don't feel too bad about those losses," Patterson said.

Patterson is hoping for a good effort in the county tournament, which begins Monday and concludes Tuesday at Wood Wind Golf Club in Westfield. Start time for both days is 4 p.m.

"I would be pleased with a 315 as a team score," Patterson said. "As far as placing goes, I hope to finish third or fourth in the county based on what I've seen in scores, and knowing the other teams. Obviously, I hope we peak and do very well in county and going into the (Hoosier Crossroads) conference tournament, but I would be very pleased with third because we do have some stiff competition in Hamilton County. There are some very solid teams, needless to say, in our county and conference."

Patterson has been pleased with the composure his young players have exhibited on the course. He said senior Jake Essington has been the team's most reliable performer.

"He's been our most consistently low scorer," Patterson said. "He doesn't let bad shots get to him, and great shots he (takes) in stride. His mental toughness on the course (is what) I've been impressed with."

Senior Scott Harvey and freshman Ahren Alexander have played some quality rounds and have battled for the No. 2 spot. Senior Chris Rouleau and sophomore Preston Kemp also are consistently in the team's top five.