Four squads ready for play

BURBANK — Until a few years ago, Burroughs High and Burbank were the only local schools that fielded boys’ golf teams.

But Bellarmine-Jefferson fielded a team for the first time seven years ago and Providence started a program last season.

All four programs use De Bell Golf Club as their home course.

Here is a look at how the teams are shaping up.

BURROUGHS

The Indians placed fourth last season in the Pacific League and lost just one senior to graduation.

“We have just about all of our team back from last season,” Burroughs Coach Greg Everhart said. “We have a good group of golfers and I’m expecting a lot from them this season.”

Returning for this fourth year with the program is senior Jeff Lundquist, and junior Chris Kesicbasian returns for his third season with the Indians. In the Pacific League individual finals last season, Kesicbasian shot a 79 and Lundquist had an 84.

“Those two guys will be our No. 1 and No. 2 golfers this year,” Everhart said. “I think those two guys have the talent to make it to CIF as individuals.”

Another key returner is junior Kelsey Danzeisen.

Among the squad’s returners are seniors Taylor Contreras and Brandon Shin, junior Nick Colbert and sophomore Sean White.

New to the team is freshman Sivakorn Losakul, whose sister, Ravipa, is a standout in the Indians’ girls’ golf program.

Everhart said he expects his Indians to qualify for CIF team competition.

BELL-JEFF

Joe Alexander takes over the coaching duties this season for the Guards, who will once again be a freelance team.

“This is a new experience for me,” Alexander said. “I really didn’t know what to expect. But we have been practicing and the guys have been doing well.”

Leading the Guards will be sophomore Andrew Belsito, who qualified for the postseason as an individual last season.

“Andrew is an example for the other guys on the team when it comes to his play,” Alexander said.

Returning for his fourth season with Bell-Jeff is senior Franz Roxas. Other impact golfers are expected to be senior Andrew Oliver and junior Justin Tamez.

“We also might have a girl who will play for us this season,” Alexander said.

PROVIDENCE

The Pioneers will have a small squad this season, fielding just five athletes.

“You usually have six golfers and the top five will score for the team,” Pioneers Coach Carl Light said. “So having only five, we have to count on all of the guys to come through.”

Providence will compete in the Liberty League, which will include Yeshiva, Buckley, Thousand Oaks Hillcrest Christian, New Roads, New Community Jewish and Rolling Hills Prep.

“Although we’re small, we have a great group of kids,” Light said.

The team will include freshmen Matthew Chung and Glen Palamides, sophomore Ian Dizon, junior Branden Sun and senior Michael Greenwood.

BURBANK

The Bulldogs graduated some key players from last year’s team that placed third in the Pacific League.

Calls and e-mails to the Burbank coach were not returned.