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Hernando Today

Powell's Short Game Comes A Long Way

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 1, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Powell Middle School Head Coach Paul Duncan pinpointed his team's weakness and took extreme measures to improve upon it.

Wednesday afternoon at The Quarry Executive Golf Course, the Panthers enjoyed the fruits of those labors. Four players broke 40 as Powell topped Parrott, 142-170.

"I'm very happy with them," Duncan said. "We've been stressing the short game from the beginning of the year. But in the last week I haven't let them out on the course. We've been going to the 18th hole, 100 yards out, and shooting 100 yards in for the preparation of this match.

"All four kids (who accounted for the team score) shot in the 30s, so I'm extremely pleased. I can't ask for anything more."

Battle for second

Each team came in with just one loss on the season, both to defending county champion Challenger K-8. Thus the winner would plant itself behind the undefeated Navigators for second place in the county.

The Panthers (4-1) received the best round of the day from Brazon Dixon, who shot 32 on the 9-hole, par-29 course that measures 954 yards.

Josh Heckler followed with a 34 while Mikael Arboritanza and Ben Cash each shot 38. Charlie Guardino added a 40 and Kevin Wood a 42, neither counting toward the team score.

For Parrott (2-2), Justin Argoncillo and Bryan Mitko tied for the lowest round with a 41. Paolo Ilagan and Jesse Ramirez each chipped in 44s.

Matt Lord (49) and Marshall Aske (52) rounded out the Leopard lineup.

"They actually had the lowest score they had for the year, but it just wasn't good enough," Parrott Head Coach Gil Baker said. "I guess they played as well as they could. That's all I can ask. And I think they had fun.

"Half the team is just sixth-graders…it's a young team. They keep getting a little better every week."

From Duncan's perspective, this match was a good step toward preparing for the Hernando County Middle School Athletic Conference Tournament Oct. 22 at the Heather Golf & Country Club.

"In order for us to compete in the county we've got to have a short game," Duncan said. "If we don't have a short game, we're not going to be able to go for a county championship.

"The regular season is hopefully good practice for the county tournament. Number one, we learn the competition and learn what we need to work on.

"Tee to green I'll take my team over anybody. Once we get to the green, we've got to get it in the hole."

Powell 142, Parrott 170
Powell (142): Brazon Dixon 32, Josh Heckler 34, Mikael Arboritanza 38, Ben Cash 38.
Parrott (170): Justin Argoncillo 41, Bryan Mitko 41, Paolo Ilagan 44, Jesse Ramirez 44.
Records: Powell (4-1), Parrott (2-2).

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

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