Full squad gives Eagles advantage

The Boulder City boys golf team continues to be the squad to beat in the Sunrise League with senior Luke Logan leading the way.

The Eagles return to competition Monday after a two-week spring break with a match against Las Vegas at Boulder City Municipal Golf Course.

The Eagles have the chance to be the dominant league team and challenge for a trip to the state tournament because of the play of Logan and sophomore Kyler Atkinson, and juniors Hunter Ulibarri and Quentin Turner. The top six is currently rounded out by freshman Jackson Wright and sophomore Samu Jancuk.

“I don’t expect the competition and pressure to come from our league, so our team goal is to keep putting together good rounds to prepare for the postseason,” Logan said. “My individual goal is just keep putting in the hole under par. I am working to keep playing solid golf and really just enjoying my last high school season.”

The Eagles will be pushed by a strong field of competitors looking to break into the top six. They are sophomore Douglas Wayland and freshmen Vinnie Pacini, Jacob Kingma, Garrett Leavitt, Coltin Janson and Ian Miller.

Earlier this season, the Eagles placed 10th in a field of 19 teams at the Pahrump Valley Invitational. Logan shot 76 and 78 for the two-day event.

“The Pahrump Valley tournament allowed us to see where we are and where we need to be to prepare for the postseason. As far as the Division I-A Sunrise League goes, we will be the team to beat and Luke is the individual to beat,” said Eagles golf coach Regina Quintero. “Luke will have some competition though with Jacob Causey from Moapa Valley and a few others.

“The other teams in the league are having trouble fielding full teams of six golfers and what they do have on the roster does not have a lot of experience. It will be tough for our top six golfers to keep their levels of concentration at their best when playing with inexperienced golfers, but that is what we’ll have to work on.”

In order to keep the athletes sharp, Quintero has scheduled matches with some of the better Division I teams, such as Basic, Green Valley, Las Vegas and Foothill. “They will be good competition for us and also give us a good idea of where we stand with the more competitive teams in the valley,” Quintero said.

Improvement also can come as the golfers compete for a spot on the six-man roster for varsity matches.

“I am looking to see a better battle from all of our players when it comes to playing positions on our own team,” Quintero added. “I would like to see them challenge each other from top to bottom. At any time, we might have a different No. 1 if Kyler steps up and puts up a good number.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if Hunter, Quentin and Jackson flip flop in the No. 3 through No. 5 spots during the season. I always think it is a good thing if there is a little pressure to keep your spot on the traveling team.”

Right now, it is a close competition for the final No. 6 spot between Jancuk and Wayland.

“Team-wise, we hope to drop our score into the 380s at some point during the season,” Quintero said. “In order to be one of the top teams in the state, I think that will be what it takes. I would be happy if we could get two or three players in the 70s and the other three in the mid-80s. The future of the golf program looks strong, with the six new freshmen. Right now, we are working to improve their swings and give them some actual on-course experience.”

Contact Pedro F. Fonteboa at BCRsports@gmail.com.