Platte County continues to post strong team scores, regardless of lineup combination. Setting up for a strong postseason run, the Pirates were third overall in Monday’s 23-team Klint Andrews Memorial Tournament at Fred Arbanas Golf Course in Kansas City.
“We had a pretty solid day out on the course,” Platte County coach Trevor Short said. “We are starting to put a few things together and making more quality shots. The conditions were a little messy, muddy, and the wind was gaining strength all day. We managed to put together some good scores.”
Platte County senior Braden Hendee — one of two two-time state qualifiers on the roster — and sophomore Jack Dillingham posted matching 8-over 80s to tie for 10th in the final medalist spots. The key to the 322 team total ended up the parity with junior Brayden Renno and sophomore Bryson Hevalow just one shot back of their teammates with 81s.
Renno also qualified for state each of the past two seasons, along with sophomore Kaplan Curtis.
Dillingham played much of last season in Platte County’s top five, helping the Pirates finish second in the Suburban Conference White Division Championships. He ultimately didn’t participate in the postseason due to a schedule conflict with the Class 4 District 4 tournament.
On Monday, Dillingham made eight bogeys and 10 pars in another top finish seemingly solidifying a spot in Platte County’s crowded battle for playing time. Hendee made a birdie at No. 9 but also had seven bogeys and a double at No. 17 on his round. Hevalow led the Pirates with two birdies on an up and down front nine that also included a double bogey and three bogeys.
Platte County junior Braylon Gates posted the fifth score not counted toward the team total with a 94, carding one birdie and five pars.
Grain Valley won the Klint Andrews Memorial team title with a 315, providing Platte County with another preview of this year’s likely battle for the conference crown. Rockhurst came in second with a 317.
Platte County’s final preparation for the upcoming White Division Championships comes this week in Monday’s Kearney Invitational, the Highway 92 Showdown on Wednesday and the Liberty Invitational on Thursday. The Pirates have seen nine different players post strong scores in recent competitions, making the upcoming lineup decisions challenging for Short.
Platte County 153, Park Hill 176
The Pirates finally reclaimed “The Battle of Bragging Rights Trophy” from a Class 5 rival in Wednesday’s dual at Tiffany Greens Golf Course in Kansas City.
Hendee earned individual medalist honors for Platte County with a 1-under 35 in the nine-hole format, while Renno (38), Hevalow (39) and sophomore Nick Cangelosi (41) rounded out the team score. The Pirates also gave another start to sophomore Jacob Mitchell, who shot a 50 after posting a recent 77 in a recent 18-hole varsity tournament.
“We all played very solid today and came away with a big victory,” Short said. “It has been a long time since we have held the trophy and the team was very eager to play the match. We came out of the gates swinging and making a big statement off the first tee. The momentum continued throughout the rest of the nine holes.”
