A stellar season for the Brandon varsity boys golf team ended just short of the state meet.
The Blackhawks finished seventh out of 12 teams in Division 2 regional action Oct. 7 at Metamora Country Club. Brandon finished with a team score of 342.
Pontiac Notre Dame Prep took first place in regionals, while Bloomfield Hills Lahser finished second and Royal Oak Kimball third. All three teams qualified for the state meet, which was scheduled to take place Oct. 14-15.
Sophomore Ryan Bilkos led the Brandon contingent by shooting a round of 84. Sophomore Josh Williams was next with 85, followed by senior Tom Voyer at 86, senior Will Hubbard at 87 and junior Brian Jordan at 88.
Brandon coach John Ubbing said the weather the Blackhawks dealt with that day was less than optimal.
‘The conditions were cold, and there was a wind in the air,? he said. ‘It just wasn’t their day.?
However, Ubbing also said the Blackhawks? performance at regionals shouldn’t detract from their overall season.
‘In terms of this year, it’s far from being a disappointment,? he said. ‘The kids have had an outstanding year. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder of a group of kids.?
The Blackhawks will graduate four seniors from the team this year: Voyer, Hubbard, Jeff Carroll and Brad MacIntyre.
Ubbing said the core of returning players for next year ? Bilkos, Williams and Jordan ? will take part in the Power-Bilt tour during the summer leading up into the season. He said all three will take part in between 15-20 events on the tour.
‘They’ll be primed and ready for next year,? Ubbing said.
As far as next year’s outlook, Ubbing said he hopes the three main returnees can improve their scoring averages by a couple strokes, and he also hopes some other golfers can step up and provide the depth the four seniors provided this season.
Ubbing said two candidates to fill that void are junior Robert Thompson and sophomore Ryan Steverlynck. ‘They should help out a great deal,? he said.
The Blackhawks were well-represented on the recently released all-Flint Metro League team. Bilkos, Williams and Jordan all made first team all-league, while Voyer was named second-team all-league and Hubbard earned honorable mention recognition.