PREPS: Carson's golf lineup strong at the top

The goal is the same every year for Carson High's golf team - qualify for the zone tournament as a team.

The road for team success will be a rough one this year, as coach Terry Gingell returns just three players - Garrett Gingell, Roman Smokey and Mitch Parra - who played in a majority of last year's tournaments. Two other players - Mark Lacey and Nathaniel Brown - saw limited action.

The rest of the roster includes Jonathan Porter, Ben Wherry, Kenny Coop, Jacob Getz, Curtis Devore, Sam Bruketta, Tony Cacioppo, Steve Costa, Jacob Helzing, Caleb Keith, Tommy Mahoney, T.J. Olson, Jacob Zumbra, Avery Whitt, Nick Waddell and Andy Cooper.

Coach Gingell said that all three of his top players have worked very hard on their game during the offseason.

"Garrett is playing well; hitting it well," the elder Gingell said. "I know he's looking forward to the season. He's practiced all winter. He's ready. He's been working on his form. He's shortened up his swing a little bit.

"Mitch looks good, too, He's been working on his swing. His form has gotten much better. Roman has been working hard on his game."

Gingell believes that his three top players are all capable of shooting in the 70s and reaching the zone tournament as individuals.

Who fills the last three spots among the six starters is anybody's guess. One would have to figure that since Brown and Lacey played a little last year that they would have the upper hand.

According to Gingell, Bruketta is the best of the newcomers and has a chance to make the starting lineup.

"He (Bruketta) has the most experience of the new boys," Gingell said.

Gingell said he doesn't know much about Douglas, Wooster, Bishop Manogue, Galena and Damonte.

The league is playing some pretty tough courses this year - Wolf Run, Thunder Canyon, Rosewood Lakes, Arrowcreek and Genoa. Carson will host a tourney at Eagle Valley, but it's not known whether it will be played on the East course or West Course.

The post-season should be interesting, as Dayton Valley will host the 4A regionals and Hidden Valley will be the state tourney site.

Carson starts the season March 22 at Rosewood Lakes.