PREP GOLF: Every stroke matters

Las Vegas hopes to avenge narrow loss in playoffs

Las Vegas missed qualifying for last year's state boys golf tournament by a single stroke, as Silverado shot 407 to its 408 to earn the third and final berth from the Sunrise Region.

With top golfer Brad Thompson back on the links for the Wildcats, along with an improved supporting cast, Las Vegas appears to have what it takes to get to the state tourney this season.

"I like our chances better this year than last year," Wildcat head coach Sean Purtill said. "After you have a good season and you have returnees you know can put up good scores, the expectation level rises.

"Last year, it was nice to come so close, but it was kind of devastating. Our goal was so within reach, and one stroke in golf, I think you can lose sleep over it, and I think the players did. They were heartbroken."

Las Vegas went 10-0 to win its Northeast Division last season and is off to a 4-0 league mark this year. The Wildcats are 7-2 overall, with their losses to strong Green Valley and Coronado teams.

Thompson, a sophomore, placed sixth in the Sunrise Region last season, with a 76, and finished seventh in the state, with rounds of 76 and 74.

He's leading the Wildcats with a 36.8 average this year and has medaled in all but one match. He fired a pair of 2-under-par 33s at the Desert Rose Golf Course -- in a 196-212 win over Eldorado and a 199-218 win over Basic -- and also shot a par 36 to share medalist honors in a 187-205 loss to Green Valley at Legacy. Thompson has broken 40 in all but one match.

"I expect he'll contend for the state title," Purtill said. "He likes competition and I think he can shoot right up there with (defending state champ) Matt Edwards and other players who will be up there.

"His scoring average is a little better and I think he's getting better every year. He started lifting weights and he thinks about golf 24/7. If he's not at school, he's on the golf course. He really lives the game. It seems like his only hobby."

Las Vegas, which averages 206 as a team, also features junior returnees Rudy Dolatre and Barney Suguitan, sophomore transfer P.J. Pena, freshman Brette Maynard and seniors John Berkabile and Mark Walt.

Dolatre shot 80 to tie for 14th place in the Sunrise Region last year and is averaging 41.5 strokes per match this season. He shot a 2-over-par 37 in the win over Basic at Desert Rose and also shot 38 in the win over Eldorado.

"He's been kind of a surprise," Purtill said. "He's taking some AP and honors courses, has a full plate in school and is involved in the Key Club and other activities. He didn't play much in the offseason and we didn't expect much from him, but he's playing really good golf.

"He's a lot more consistent this season than he has been in the past. He had some blowup holes and rounds last year, but I haven't seen it (this year)."

Pena, who transferred from Palo Verde, is averaging 42 strokes per nine-hole match. He shot a 2-over 37 in the win over Basic.

"He's a pretty quiet kid, but he has pretty high expectations. He seems to have the postseason in sight," Purtill said. "He's in tune with what other teams are shooting and what we need to do to get there."

Suguitan, who shot an 87 to tie for 24th in the Sunrise last year, is averaging 43 this season.

"Barney started off a lot slower this year. We were expecting a little more from him because he put in a lot of time over the summer and played in a lot of tournaments," Purtill said. "We're still waiting for him to bounce back. I think he will improve and help us a lot."

Maynard is averaging 44, but is the only golfer on the team to medal besides Thompson. Maynard shot a 1-over 36 to medal against Foothill.

"He played junior golf in middle school and has been playing for a while," Purtill said. "When he grows a little, he's going to be good."

Berkabile, who shot 86 to tie for 22nd in the Sunrise last year, averages 43.4 this season.

"He plays a lot of soccer, but he's athletic enough to put up the numbers he does without practicing much," Purtill said.

Walt averages 44.2 strokes per match.

Purtill expects Green Valley and Coronado to contend in the Sunrise, with Las Vegas battling it out with Basic and Foothill for the final spot. The Wildcats already beat both teams.


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