Powell Survives By Five

J.D. Floyd K-8 eighth-grader Ryan Nicoll posted a sensational nine-hole round in Wednesday's match against Powell Middle School.

Playing at Rivard Golf and Country Club, Nicoll posted a 1-under par 35 on the 2,470-yard course, yet the Dolphins still fell to the Panthers, 191-196.

"I played pretty good," Nicoll said. "I was putting really well. I was reading the break and the speed.

"My drives, I'm usually hitting left so I was trying to keep it straight. I didn't really hit too much, I was usually hitting irons off the tee, but when I did hit it, I hit it into the fairway."

Nicoll had by far the best round of the day, with Powell's Ben Cash and Brazon Dixon tying for the second lowest at 45.

Kevin Wood added a 50 for the Panthers (2-1), while Josh Heckler and Brandon LaMondra each shot 51. Ryan Stevens also played for Powell, shooting a 55.

"Tonight we played OK," Powell Head Coach Paul Duncan said. "In order for us to be competitive in the county championship, we have to improve our short game. I'm very proud of them. They work hard.

"Brandon LaMondra played great. He really hit the ball very well. Brazon Dixon hit the ball well and Ben Cash."

For Floyd, which defeated Fox Chapel in its season-opener two weeks earlier, Jans Tamayo had a 51 followed by Diego Gomez (54), Tim McGrath (56) and Megan Ekstrom (57).

"The student-athletes played well," Floyd Head Coach Chuck Barrett said. "Ryan Nicoll shot a 35 and I couldn't ask for anything more. Some of my other golfers struggled but at the end they made some great shots.

"We only lost by five strokes and that's a credit to the other team to be able to beat us by five strokes."

POWELL 191, FLOYD 196
Powell (191): Ben Cash 45, Brazon Dixon 45, Kevin Wood 50, Josh Heckler/Brandon LaMondra 51.
Floyd (196): Ryan Nicoll 35, Jans Tamayo 51, Diego Gomez 54, Tim McGrath 56.
Records: Powell (2-1), Floyd (1-1).