57°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

Tourney puts golfers’ skills in front of recruiters

Boulder City High School class of 2018 graduate Jackson Wright and sophomore Blake Schaper tested their skills against elite golfers from around the country June 18-20 playing in RecruitLook Junior Golf Tour’s Summerlin Junior Championship.

Part of a 32-player group that made it to the championship round on day three at Cascata Golf Club, Jackson finished with a total score of 238, 24 strokes over the course par, while Schaper finished with a 239. They placed 20th and 22nd, respectively.

“The whole big tournament atmosphere was a tremendous feeling, and making it to the championship round was an honor,” Wright said. “Placing that high was really cool. I had lots of really good moments but also some bad ones to minimize the good ones. I thought two rounds in the 70s was really solid though, and I’m proud of myself.”

Playing their first two qualifying rounds at TPC Las Vegas, Schaper shot a 157, while Jackson shot a 159.

“I thought I played well, but I could have been better,” Schaper said. “I did some good things over the three days and had some areas that I needed to improve on. This will only motivate me to keep working.”

Matched up against some of the top golfers in the country, Miles Parraco from Kentucky and Gabriel Harl from Oklahoma finished first and second, respectively.

Athletes from Arizona, California and Texas participated in the championship round.

“The competition level was really stacked, I thought,” Wright said. “I played with kids from Texas, Oklahoma, Kentucky and Arizona so I got to meet some new kids and talked it up with them. All the kids I played with were super solid golfers and shot really well. It was a great experience to meet and play with kids from other elite states, and I can say I’m proud I held my ground with them as well.”

Schaper, one of the youngest golfers in his age bracket, said he soaked up knowledge during the three-day event.

“It was great to play with a lot of the older golfers,” he said. “A lot of them have been playing for years so I got to watch them and pick up a few things — see how they manage the game, keep their composure. It was a great experience.”

Holding his own against the stiff competition, Schaper’s play caught the eye of RecruitLook analyst Tommy Canale.

“There’s no doubt Blake is going to be a collegiate golfer,” Canale said. “As to what level is still yet to be determined but he’s a kid that’s capable of putting great rounds of golf together. I’ve been impressed.”

While Schaper is looking to gain momentum for his budding collegiate golf career, Wright is preparing for his after accepting a walk-on offer from Division II program Dixie State.

“Overall, I’m happy with how I performed,” Wright said. “I need to keep pushing myself every day and play in big tournaments like this one to prove that I’m a college-ready golfer. Playing college golf is a dream of mine, and I know I have the skills to make it a reality. I’ve been dreaming of playing for a living since I was a little kid so if it happens, it would honestly be the greatest joy in the world to me just to have opportunity.”

Contact Robert Vendettoli at BCRsports@gmail.com.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Trio of Eagles receive state honors

Honored for their achievements, a trio of Boulder City High School star athletes were named to the All-Southern Nevada team, highlighting the top athletes in the state regardless of classification.

BCHS wins two straight on the diamond

Bringing life back into the program, Boulder City High School baseball has put together a two-game winning streak after a disappointing 0-4 start.

Volleyball squad picks up impressive win

In what felt like a playoff atmosphere, Boulder City High School boys volleyball picked up their best victory to date, routing 5A Foothill.

Lady Eagles win sixth straight

Boulder City High School softball is currently riding a six-game winning streak as they added a trio of wins to their season total this past week.

Lady Eagles dominant so far in softball

Currently riding a three-game winning streak, Boulder City High School softball is on a roll, having not allowed a run yet in 3A play.

Oeland signs dotted line to play soccer

Boulder City High School girls soccer star Natasha Oeland will continue her journey at the next level, signing to play at local junior college College of Southern Nevada.

Sports Roundup: Volleyball squad moves to 5-3 early on

Starting league play off strong, Boulder City High School boys volleyball picked up a pair of dominant victories. Routing both Sloan Canyon and SLAM Academy 3-0, the Eagles advanced to 5-3 on the season.

Golfers look to improve upon last year’s mark

Coming off of a sixth-place finish at state last season, Boulder City High School boys golf has aspirations of competing at a high level.

Eagles poised for a repeat?

Fresh off a 3A state championship, Boulder City High School boys swimming is primed for a repeat season, behind a strong returning core.

Softball squad ready for league action

Starting the season off with a 2-3 record, Boulder City High School softball is eager to get into league play.