Burroughs, Burbank golf teams already in the swing

The Burroughs High boys’ golf team is coming off a season in which it placed third in the Pacific League behind Arcadia and Crescenta Valley.

However, the Indians lost their No. 1 and No. 2 golfers, including former All-Area honoree Kelsey Danzeisen, who placed eight in league last season. The other was Chris Kesicbasian, who placed 11in in league.

Burbank finished fourth in the Pacific League in 2012, but the team is off to a good start and the Bulldogs could be a factor in determining the eventual league champion.

Here is a closer look at the teams.

BURROUGHS

Despite the loss of two key players, Indians Coach Greg Everhart likes what he sees with his lineup this season.

“The two we lost were really No. 1 and No. 2 for their four years at Burroughs,” Everhart said. “But we have an influx of freshmen this season and we actually have eight freshmen in the program, so that’s good. One of the freshmen is Chris’ younger brother, Daniel. We look for him to step in and almost fill his brother’s shoes. He is actually No. 2 on our team right now and that’s pretty impressive for a freshman.”

Returning to captain the Burroughs team is senior Sean White (14th in league last season).

“He’s got it down this season,” Everhart said. “Last year he was kind of inconsistent in his league matches, but this year he’s on fire so far. I expect him to be more consistent and definitely be that leader we’re looking for.”

Also returning is sophomore Patrick Colbert and junior Sivakorn Losakul. Up from the junior varsity team is senior Konner Fairman and junior Dylan McNeely.

Although Everhart said he expects Arcadia and Crescenta Valley to again field strong teams, he has been impressed with Burbank so far this season.

“I think on paper, Burbank High has a pretty solid team,” he said. “If they were going to be up there in league I think this is their year.”

BURBANK

The Bulldogs have enjoyed nothing but success out of the gate so far. Burbank is 3-0 with nonleague victories against Hart, Canyon Country Canyon and Pasadena.

“We still need to work on improving our individual scores, especially our No. 1 golfer, Brady Dunayer. He is currently in a slump, but he will pull out of it,” Burbank Coach Frank Childress said.

Dunayer finished 13th in league last season.

Also expected to provide their share of scoring for the Bulldogs are Roman Verciglio, Andy Chung (16th in league last season) and Jason Apinchapong.

“Roman Verciglio is playing well and I anticipate improvement from him as well,” Childress said. “Andy Chung is getting a slow start this year; he is up and down with his scores. But I am very impressed with our freshman, Jason Apinchapong, he has been working very hard on his game and is playing very well.”

Dylan Sherry, Blake Newton and Austin Tatka round out the Burbank team.