Rebels two shy for victory

Andrew Landeros

PASADENA -- Flintridge Prep’s Dwight Phelps had no idea what would be

in store for him Monday when he reached the Altadena Golf Course and

joined the rest of his boys’ golf teammates to take on La Salle High in a

pivotal Prep League match.

Phelps knew that it was going to be a tough match between the two

unbeaten squads in the league, but he was more excited about something

else.

After class, Phelps stopped by the golf shop and picked up a new set

of Ping I3’s he had ordered and stuck them in the bag for the match. He

must have ordered them with a little magic to go along with the

oversized grips as the senior shot a one-under-par, 35, but it wouldn’t

be enough as the Rebels fell to the Lancers, 188-190.

After hooking an eight-iron on the first hole on his way to making a

double bogey on the par four, Phelps steadied his play carding three

birdies on the last eight hole.

On the 491-yard, uphill, par-five ninth hole, Phelps gave himself a

chance for an eagle reaching the green in two shots hitting a driver and

then a five-iron from 205 yards away.

One player that could have used a little magic was the Rebels’s No. 1

player, Jeff Osborn. The Tulane-bound senior shot a three-over-par, 38,

mainly due to hitting a drive out of bounds on the fifth hole.

Rebel Coach Bob Loughrie knew that it was going to be hard to top La

Salle on its home course.

“I really didn’t believe that we could beat them here.” Loughrie

said. “I don’t think we are better than them, but I didn’t think that

they are better than us.

“We are going to have to have all the players shoot to their ability

if we wish to beat [La Salle] at La Canada [Country Club] on Thursday.”

Flintridge Prep will have to win its match today against Chaminade at

Griffith Park’s Harding Golf Course and Thursday’s tri-match against La

Salle and Salesian.

One handicap the Rebels (11-3, 6-1 in league) could not overcome was

that they were missing their No. 2 player senior Brandon Kelly, who was

visiting Northwestern University near Chicago.

La Salle (11-2, 6-0 in league) was led by Jake Moore and Evan Sailes

as both fired 36’s.

Box Score

Altadena Golf Course

(2,995 yards, par 36)

1. Dwight Phelps (FP)*35

2. Jake Moore (LS)*36

2. Evan Sailes (LS)*36

4. Mike Miller (FP)*37

5. Jeff Osborn (FP)*38

5. Steve Van Leeuwen (LS)*38

7. Frank Arthoffer (FP)*39

7. Robbie Bechman (LS)*39

7. Blake Bernstine (LS)*39

10. Daniel Dash (FP)*41