James River State Champs

by Seneca Contomanolis
DigitalSports Richmond
scontomanolis@digitalsports.com

MIDLOTHIAN — The first time was the charm for James River.

In their first appearance as a team in the state Group AAA golf tournament the Rapids claimed the title by six strokes at Independence Golf Course on Tuesday.

“I personally have been waiting for this for four years, to win a state title, and it just feels incredible,” James River’s Nick Austin said. “And especially to win it as a team, it’s unbelievable.”

The Central Region runner-up Rapids trailed leader Langley by one stroke after the first day but rallied to finish with a combined score of 606 (303-303).

Kellam shot a 612 (306-306) to come in second and Westfield had a 615 (304-311) for third.

Langley had a tough day on the course shooting a 318 to fall all the way back to fifth. Defending two-time champion Frank Cox finished seventh with a 622.
 

The University of Richmond-bound Austin led James River by posting an even-par 72 on both days of the tourney

Sean Dougherty (75), Michael McLean (77) and Drew McLean (79) all scored for the Rapids during a final round that featured a strong wind at times.

“The conditions were tough,” James River coach Jim McLean said. “Yesterday it was cold, today it was windy. I am very proud of them.”

Frank Cox senior Brinson Paolini captured his second individual title by two strokes over Douglas Freeman senior Matt Sizemore.

Paolini, who trailed Sizemore’s tourney best 68 by two after the first round, shot a 71 on Tuesday. He is headed to play golf at Duke next year.

“This being my last high school tournament I wanted this one more than when I was a sophomore and won it,” Paolini said. “I put a good bit of pressure on myself to go out on top.”

Ji Soo Park (Chantilly) tied Austin’s score of 144 but took third when he bested Austin in a one-hole playoff. Austin had taken second the past two years.

Deep Run (616) made the biggest move as a team during the final round compiling a 303 to jump from last place to fourth.

After the final hole was played Jim McLean, father of Michael and Drew, pointed to his team’s chemistry and Austin’s leadership as a reason for the Rapids’ success.

“It’s awesome. They are a close group that has a great time together,” Jim McLean said. “And Austin, he does a great job with the boys. He always has since day one.”

RESULTS

(Final round at Independence GC, Par 72)

Team Scores

James River (303-303-606): Nick Austin 72-72 (144), Michael McLean 76-77 (153), Sean Dougherty 78-75 (153), Drew McLean 79-79 (158)

Kellam (306-306-612): Chase Duffy 75-75 (150), Wade Wawner 73-82 (155), Ryan Kilmon 82-74 (156), Trey Smith 76-80 (156)

Westfield (304-311-615): Tim Ritter 75-77 (152), Wes Liu 75-80 (155), Brian Keith 74-83 (157), Sara Stanley 82-75 (157)

Deep Run (313-303-616): Jason Schumacher 76-74 (150), Chris O’Neil 77-75 (152), Zach Schwab 78-78 (156), Mason Bryan 82-76 (158)

Langley (302-318-620): Brian Jaeger 76-75 (151), Brigitte Baker 74-81 (155), Spencer Deese 77-81 (158), Ben Walsh 75-86 (161)

Battlefield (309-312-621): Andrew Lister 75-75 (150), Blake Forst 77-80 (157), Jordan Paster 76-82 (158), Justin Riley 81-78 (159)

Frank Cox (307-315-622): Brinson Paolini 70-71 (141), Chris Valianos 73-78 (151), Jonathan Harris 82-81 (163), Richie Salter 82-85 (167)

Loudoun Valley (308-327-635): Zack Bosse 75-78 (153), Scott Davidson 76-81 (157), Tanner Welsh 79-84 (163), Brian Hickey 78-86 (164)

Top 5 Individual Scores

Brinson Paolini (Frank Cox), 70-71-141

Matt Sizemore (Douglas Freeman), 68-74-143

Ji Soo Park (Chantilly), 72-72-144

Nick Austin (James River), 72-72-144
Joe Buttgereit (Forest Park) 75-73-148

Complete results can be found below the photos!

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