BCS' Miller takes medal at district golf

EAST MANATEE — Jordan Miller saw Monday’s weather forecast and breathed a sigh of relief.

After enduring a broiling fall on the golf course, Miller, a freshman at Bradenton Christian, was going to play the first big round of the season in balmy conditions, with blue skies and temperatures topping out in the mid-70s.

And he took full advantage, firing a 72 to take medalist honors at the Class 1A-District 16 meet at The River Club. Miller also helped Bradenton Christian finish third with a team score of 315, good enough to qualify for next week’s Region 6 meet at The Hideout.

“I’d much rather play in this kind of weather,” Miller said. “You’re not sitting there, sweating all day. You can keep cool, and it’s easier to focus when you’re not having to sweat and get all of that stuff out of your eyes and face.”

Miller’s teammate, Jack Lyerly, tied for second with an 73.

“It feels good that we can go (to regional) and maybe me or Jack move on,” Miller said, “or maybe as a team, if we play good.”

Saint Stephen’s won the team title with a 302, finishing 12 strokes ahead of Cardinal Mooney (314).

“It feels good,” said Falcons coach Matt Primrose, whose team didn’t advance to regional last year.

Saint Stephen’s was balanced — Sean Kelly had a 73, followed by Osama Kahn (74), Eric Muslawski (76) and Connor Lynch (79).

The Cougars were paced by Ray Cowert (75).

“I’m very proud of the kids,” said coach John Van Vranken. “You always want to win, but second is great.”

Southeast’s Ryan Wolfe tied for second with a 73, qualifying for next week’s regional as an individual.

The top three teams, as well as the top three golfers on non-qualifying teams, earned trips to regional.

Joining Wolfe win the individual pool will be Out-of-Door Academy’s Blake Soni (73) and Zach Balit (80).

Class 1A-District 16 Tournament

At The River Club

Boys

Team scores (top three qualify for regional.)

1. Saint Stephen’s (SS) 302, 2. Cardinal Mooney (CM) 314, 3. Bradenton Christian (BC) 315, 4. Out-of-Door Academy (ODA) 345, 5. Sarasota Christian (SC) 359, 6. Southeast (S) 363, 7. Wauchula Hardee (WH) 367, 8. Booker (B) 377, 9. Arcadia DeSoto (AD) 386, 10. Lake Placid (LP) 387.

Top six individuals

1. Jordan Miller (BC) 72, 2. Jack Lyerly (BC) 73, 2. Ryan Wolfe (S) 73*, 2. Blake Soni (ODA) 73*, Sean Kelly (SS) 73, 6. Osama Kahn (SS) 74.

* — qualified for regional as an individual.

Local scores

Bradenton Christian (315) — Jordan Miller 72, Jack Lyerly 73, Jonathan Braam 84, Casey Najjar 86, Johnny Weichel 87.

Cardinal Mooney (314) — Ray Cowert 75, Alex Romero 76, Pat Slattery 77, Hunter Sagar 86, Peter Grabowski 89.

Out-of-Door Academy (345) — Blake Soni 73*, Zach Balit 80*, Dan Pivonka 92, Bryan Coffey 100, Nick Grano 111.

Saint Stephen’s (302) — Sean Kelly 73, Osama Kahn 74, Eric Muslawski 76, Connor Lynch 79.

Southeast (363) — Ryan Wolfe 73*, Bryan Robinson 88, Matt Fenske 98, Matt Hardy 104, Nick Fenske 121.