Green Valley claims title

Spencer Patterson

Wednesday, May 9, 2001 | 10:35 a.m.

There wasn't supposed to be any drama at Tuesday's 4A Sunrise Region Boys Golf Tournament, but heavily favored Green Valley found a way to make things interesting right down to the final shot.

No, the Gators weren't challenged in the race for the team title. The Henderson school continued its east-side dominance, easily defeating top challengers Foothill and Silverado by 28 and 29 strokes, respectively, at SilverStone Golf Club.

Instead, Green Valley added some late excitement to the event by posting a pair of 3-under 69s in the battle for this year's individual championship. Senior Drew Scott and junior Colton West matched up in a one-hole playoff, where West made par to claim the trophy.

"It was a little easier because we're both friends on the same team," West said. "It was a little friendly challenge."

With darkness falling and the sprinkler system already showering the brand new course, West and Scott both appeared to drive their balls safely down the fairway on their playoff hole. But Scott's shot found a sandtrap, allowing West to two-putt to defeat his teammate.

"I'm glad it was him (that beat me)," Scott said. "He's a good guy and a good player."

Gator Ryan Gomm was not far behind, finishing tied for fourth individually with a 73. Corey Baird (77) and Nick Lorenz (79) rounded out Green Valley's scoring, with Jim Lobrovich's solid round of 80 simply icing on the cake for the victors.

"This is a real strong showing for our team," West said. "This is a jump start for state. Everyone's confidence will be up after this, and the whole team will know what we can do."

The Gators, Falcons and Skyhawks advance to next week's 4A State Tournament, a two-day, 36-hole event at the Dayton Valley Country Club in Northern Nevada.

"We know when we go up to state we'll have to throw some lower numbers up there," Gators coach Del Sager said. "I think we can still do better."

Qualifying individually were Valley's Nick Green, who finished third overall with a one-under 71, along with Eldorado's Cody Fulwiler, Las Vegas' Dan Pedersen and Basic's A.J. Greene and Dustin Borum.

SilverStone will also host today's 4A Sunset Region Tournament, with Palo Verde, Bonanza, Durango and Bishop Gorman expected to battle for team honors.