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Hernando Today

Practice Pays Off

Staff photo by DAVE CASEY

Parrott Middle School's Paolo Ilagan keeps an eye on the competition Wednesday as Explorer K-8's Avery Kemp tees off Wednesday at The Quarry Golf Course.

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 15, 2008

BROOKSVILLE - Explorer Head Coach Jason Yungmann knew The Quarry Golf Course would present new challenges for his first-year Bobcats.

So Yungmann set up two practice rounds at the nine-hole, par-32 executive course in preparation for Wednesday's match against Parrott, who calls The Quarry home.

Based on the results, the plan paid off. Explorer completed its regular-season slate with its third win of the season, downing the host Leopards, 156-165.

"It's a great accomplishment today to come out here on a tough Quarry course," Yungmann said. "My players were working very hard this week in practice. We came out here with a mission to improve from past weeks. They really surpassed my expectations.

"I have a lot of respect for this Parrott team. They did great job. I just can't say enough about how proud I am of my team."

When the first foursome came off the ninth hole, the match was dead even. Avery Kemp shot 39 for Explorer (3-3), while Justin Argoncillo posted the same score for Parrott (2-4).

Likewise, Cael Shea's 41 for the Bobcats was matched by a 41 from the Leopards' Paolo Ilagan.

However, the second group provided the difference maker. Stephanie Rodney, the only girl to play in the match, had a season-best 35 to pace Explorer.

"It was a small course," the eighth-grader said. "It wasn't that hard. I just really wanted to be 3-3.

"It feels good (to win the match). In a way I didn't think we were going to win. But I had hope for our team."

Nick Persico added a 41 for the Bobcats out of that second foursome. Marshall Aske came in with a 44 and Bryan Mitko a 47 for the Leopards.

Parrott regained some ground in the final group, thanks to a 41 by Daniel Merritt and a 44 by Matt Lord. Joshua Carr shot 46 and Kenny Sweeney 49 for Explorer, neither counting toward the team score.

"They did well," Parrott Head Coach Gil Baker said. "Both teams played well. They seemed to have a good time and it was very competitive. The difference was Stephanie's 35."

The season will come to a close next Wednesday with the Hernando County Middle School Athletic Conference Tournament at Heather Golf and Country Club.

"We're going to enjoy the rest of the season as we prepare for the county tournament," Yungmann said. "We'll keep working hard to improve even more."

Explorer 156, Parrott 165
Explorer (156): Stephanie Rodney 35, Avery Kemp 39, Cael Shea 41, Nick Persico 41.
Parrott (165): Justin Argoncillo 39, Paolo Ilagan 41, Daniel Merritt 41, Marshall Aske/Matt Lord 44.
Records: Explorer (3-3), Parrott (2-4).

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

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