Atkinson’s fourth first-place win puts Eagles in catbird seat

Boulder City High School’s boys golf program continues to roll through its 3A Sunrise opponents, notching its fourth consecutive league victory.

Traveling to Mesquite, Nevada, the Eagles owned CasaBlanca Golf Club on Tuesday, placing all six members within the top eight for a team score of 432, ousting Moapa Valley (552) and Southeast Career Technical Academy (618).

“The guys continue to look sharp out there,” head coach Andy Schaper said. “I have a really talented group on my hands this year, who are all capable of shooting even lower scores than what they’ve been posting. We’ve had fun throughout the first part of the season, staying poised and relaxed. Roads only going to get tougher from here, but I think these boys are prepared for it.”

Coming off of a fifth-place finish at last season’s 3A state championship meet, the Eagles are hopeful for a better finish this season behind senior star Kyler Atkinson, who has established himself as the early front-runner for 3A Sunrise League golfer of the year.

“Kyler is something special,” Schaper said. “There isn’t enough praise that I could give him for the type of season he’s having. He’s been a student of the game since he was 6 and that type of dedication that he’s put into this sports reflects each score he posts. Behind Kyler, we like our chances heading toward the postseason.”

Posting his fourth consecutive first-place finish in league play, Atkinson led the way with a score of 77 on the par-72 course, edging out Virgin Valley’s Hogan Fowles, who finished second with 81 on his home course.

Sporting a season roster capable of running the table for their first state championship since 2006, junior Jackson Wright finished in third place with a score of 86, while seniors Cade Neilson and Samu Jancuk finished fourth and fifth, respectively, with scores of 88 and 89.

“We’re more than just one good player,” Schaper said. “Our entire roster is capable of shooting into the high 70s and, come state, I think that’s going to make us very competitive. Kyler leads the way for us no doubt, but the supporting cast around him, particularly our seniors, is what’s going to help us win a championship if we’re fortunate enough.”

Rounding out the Eagles’ day, senior Aaron Walker placed sixth with a score of 92, while sophomore Kevin Phelps placed eighth with a score of 96.

Looking to stay sharp in league play, the Eagles travel to Las Vegas National on Monday for a 2:30 p.m. tee time, with hopes of continuing to lower their individual scores with the postseason looming.

“The results are in the scores,” Schaper said. “After each match, at least one of our guys has bettered his score from the previous week. We have a dedicated group this year. I expect everyone to continue to give it their best effort and compete at a high level.

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.