Impressive scores net positive results for area boys’ golf teams in league opener

With the rain having disappeared for the time being, four local boys’ golf teams were able to concentrate on competing in the first Pacific League match of the season.

Playing under sunny skies and in virtually no wind, the Crescenta Valley High, Burbank, Burroughs and Glendale squads took to Harding Golf Course on Thursday looking to turn in some quality scores.

Each team had one player thrive, led by three players shooting five-over-par 77 and one at 78.

Elis Alaan of Glendale, Crescenta Valley’s Jacob Junio and Louis D’Aquila of Burroughs finished with 77s and Burbank’s Jason Snow carded a 78.

“It felt good to finally get out there and compete,” said Alaan, a junior and the lone participant for the Nitros. “I’ve been able to build around my schedule by playing in junior and amateur tournaments to keep me going.

“I’ve just been focusing on my conditioning and trying to get some more experience. I was a little off today, but then I was able to tie everything together on the back nine with some pars.”

Arcadia, the defending league champion, finished first with a 357, followed by Crescenta Valley (415), Burbank (429), Burroughs (448) and Pasadena (485). Ken Kong of Arcadia finished first with a 68.

Junio, who helped the Falcons take third in league before finishing 10th at the CIF Southern Section Northern Team Divisional last season, said he’s trying to lead the team following the graduation of Tanner Schilling and AJ Roa, a former All-Area selection.

“Losing those two created a couple of holes to fill,” Junio said. “I’m just trying to step up my game and help the team out.

“My putter worked well and my driver was OK. There’s still time to improve in different areas.”

D’Aquila, a former All-Area honoree who helped the Indians take second in league and 14 at the team divisional last season,, said the course was conducive for his plan of attack.

“It’s a course that does offer a lot of scoring opportunities,” D’Aquila said. “I converted on some of those opportunities.

“I made some shots when I needed to and I used my driver more. I’d like to try to qualify individually [for CIF] and help the team get back to the playoffs.”

Snow paved the way for the Bulldogs, who placed fourth in league and 17th at the divisional last season.

Snow said he plays a practice round at Harding every other month to prepare him for the league matches.

“I like the course and it helps having a better idea of what to expect,” Snow said. “I felt like I did OK, but I left a few strokes out there. It’s a good start to the season in league.”

Crescenta Valley received an 80 from Peter Kim, 82 from Trey Ballard, 84 from Andrew Hong and 92 from Ethan Gabom.

Burbank got an 84 from Louis Calzado, 85 from Nico Coccio, 89 from Cole Pendarvis and 93 from Dennis McCarthy.

Burroughs had an 88 from Aaron Cohen, 93 from Myles Sherry, 94 from Dylan Roy and 96 from Jake Panikowski.

Arcadia got 70s from Edward Wu and Peter Ju, 72 from Josh Kwon and 77 from Jerry Wu.

The next league match will be held at noon Thursday at Santa Anita Golf Course in Arcadia.