High school golf preview -- Broward

By Dave Brousseau | South Florida Sun-Sentinel

August 24, 2008

Archbishop McCarthy girl's golf team could be one of the best teams in the state. From left, Sarah Rountree, Jaime Ritter, Diana Davis, Kristen Sammarco and Kaylin Yost. (Ginny Dixon/Sun-Sentinel / August 21, 2008)

They pull up to the clubhouse like any other golfers, with a bag full of clubs, a few extra golf balls just in case and that all-important umbrella.

For some, there's expectations of winning a state championship, while others play the game for the first time.

This is high school golf at its best and a snapshot into the 2008 season.

Driving range

Lindy Duncan, who spent part of the summer playing in the U.S. Women's Amateur at Eugene (Ore.) Country Club and the U.S. Girls' Junior Championship returns to American Heritage for her senior year.

It's a big boost to the Patriots' girls' golf team after Kaylin Yost transferred to Archbishop McCarthy.

Duncan played for Heritage as a freshman three years ago and helped lead the Patriots to the Class 1A state championship in 2005. She was named the Sun Sentinel Player of the Year

She joins a strong team of Kyle Roig, Shelby Coyle, Paulina Mustafa and Katylin Kennedy.

With Duncan, the Heritage depth and experience has only been enhanced and certainly improves its chances to defend last year's 1A state title.

First tee

There's a challenger who could dethrone Heritage and that's Yost's new team, Archbishop McCarthy.

The Mavericks finished fourth at last year's 1A state tournament and the addition of Yost makes them a legitimate threat. Two years ago the Mavericks finished fifth. Yost was a second team All-County selection last year as a sophomore.

Her addition strengthens a team that already includes Diana Davis, Jaime Ritter, Kristen Sammarco and Sarah Rountree. Davis and Ritter finished 11th and 13th at that state tournament last year.

"Last couple of years was exciting and we keep improving," Archbishop McCarthy coach Carl Phillips said. "With Yost we have a chance to contend for the title this year. By far this is the best team we have had here."

No water hazards

Cypress Bay's boys, who finished 12th at the 2A state tournament last year, have enough experience to make the return trip to Lakeland. The Lightning is led by senior Brandon Park, Mike Peddow and Shane White. ... Western, St. Thomas Aquinas and Coral Springs have a strong chance to advance through regional rounds in 2A. Pine Crest, led by Will Handley, returns four seniors and joins American Heritage as a contender to make the 1A state tournament.

Give an award to ...

The coach with the best name related to the game: Aaron McDivitt of Westminster Academy.

He just needs to stay off the fairway so no one tries to replace and firmly step on him.