Southwest Wake Athletic Conference boys golf preview
Green Hope has taken the last six Southwest Wake Athletic Conference boys golf titles and looks poised for a seventh led by SWAC player of the year Rob McPartland, a senior.
McPartland averaged 36.6 strokes per nine holes during the season, followed close behind by sophomore Jack Masssei (37.6) and seniors Timmy Leonard (37), Kevin Wiles (38.4) and Brian Chen (38.9).
Panther Creek, the SWAC runner-up, was seventh in the 4A championships and led by senior Viraj Garewal (tied for 9th in 4A; 37.1 stroke average), junior Alex Scott (37.3) and senior Miguel Palacios (39.3).
Middle Creek, third in the SWAC a year ago, returns conference tournament champ Austin Bonfiglo (37.4), a junior. The Mustangs advanced to the 4A East regional for the first time.
Athens Drive was fourth, led by sophomore Quinn Riley (39.7).
Fuquay-Varina, fifth in the SWAC, returns regional qualifier Justin Haire, a junior.
Holly Springs, sixth a year ago, brings back regional qualifier R.J. Reyes.
Apex and Cary rounded out the SWAC in order. Courtney West coaches the first Apex Friendship golf team.
J. Mike Blake: 919-460-2606, @JMBpreps
Last 10 conference champs
Conference tournament champ in parentheses
2015 – Green Hope (Green Hope); 2014 – Green Hope (Panther Creek); 2013 – Green Hope (Green Hope); 2012 – Green Hope (Green Hope); 2011 – Green Hope (Holly Springs); 2010 – Green Hope (Green Hope); 2009 – Apex, Holly Springs* (Green Hope, Holly Springs*); 2008 – Green Hope (Green Hope); 2007 – Green Hope (Green Hope); 2006 – Green Hope (Green Hope)
*Holly Springs was a member of the Greater Neuse River Conference
This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 1:19 PM with the headline "Southwest Wake Athletic Conference boys golf preview."