La Cañada boys’ golf advances pair to CIF Individual Tournament
LA VERNE — For more than a decade, the La Cañada High boys’ golf team has been atop the Rio Hondo League collectively and individually.
After clinching its 12th consecutive league team title, focus transferred to the league’s individual championship.
Alas, the Spartans’ run of individual dominance came to a close on Wednesday, but there was still plenty of positives as two La Cañada golfers moved on.
Andrew Ricci and Brandon Kenney tried to stay focused entering the final 18-hole round of the Rio Hondo League individual finals on Wednesday.
The La Cañada High boys’ golfers understood a trip to the CIF Southern Section Individual Tournament was on the line.
Backed by solid rounds on the last of the two-day event, Ricci and Kenney passed their tests after finishing third and sixth, respectively, at Marshall Canyon Golf Course.
Ricci, a freshman who helped the Spartans win their 12th league championship in a row, carded a four-over-par 75 to finish at 151. Kenney, a junior, fired a 78 to finish at 157. The duo will next compete in the CIF event, which will be held at 8 a.m. Monday at Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo. Mason Chu of San Marino won the league title after carding a 73 to finish with a 146 and top teammate Adrian Chiu by four strokes. Chiu notched a 72 on Wednesday. Chu concluded a run of 12 straight championships for the Spartans that consisted of Collin Morikawa (2012-2015), Jay Lim (2011), Anton Arboleda (2007, 2010), Brian Veeh (2008-09), Abe Lee (2006) and David Lipsky (2004-05).
The top six from the field of eight advanced to Ventura County.
“I liked the course and I tried to use it to my advantage,” said Ricci, who entered Wednesday’s round tied for third with Chiu and Eric Means of San Marino. “I made three birdies and I just kept getting more confident.
“I didn’t hit the ball very far, so I just stayed within myself and tried to find consistency with my short game. I placed some iron shots on to the greens that set me up for some birdies and pars. It’s going to be great going [to CIF] and playing with some great golfers. I thought coming into the season I could help the team out, but this is awesome moving on.”
Kenney, who came into Wednesday’s action alone in sixth, collected three birdies.
“I knew coming in that there was a lot of golf left to be played,” Kenney said. “I just seemed to get stronger during both rounds on the back nine.
“You have to stay with it and be patient. I made the birdies and that helped me relax. It’s going to be great to go to CIF.”
Eduardo Torres of La Cañada placed seventh after shooting a 78 on Wednesday for 158 final score. Torres came in tied for seventh with Adrian Salcido of Monrovia, who finished eighth overall after posting an 80 to finish at 160.
Also moving on to CIF were Means, who took fourth after shooting a 78 for 154, and Jian (82 for 156 for fifth).
La Cañada first-year Coach Nick Del Pozo said Ricci and Kenney were impressive throughout both rounds.
“Andrew had some solid rounds and he continues to get better,” Del Pozo said. “I’m very happy for Brandon and he proved he could do it.
“Just to see them get to CIF is incredible. They get to play at a quality event and we’ll see what they can do.”
La Cañada will also compete in the CIF Southern Section Northern Team Divisional at 8 a.m. May 12 at Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai. The Spartans finished runner-up in the event each of the last two seasons before advancing to the Southern California Championships in Desert Hot Springs.
