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West finishes fourth in a strong field

AURORA — Wheaton Academy led the way at the boys Aurora Central Catholic Golf Invitational on Saturday, but West Aurora used its backyard to its advantage, capturing fourth-place overall in a competitive 22-team field.

The Blackhawks ended with a team score of 313, a dozen points shy of first-place Wheaton's 301. West Aurora senior Brandon Vicory shot at 76 at Phillips Park, good enough for a tie for eighth individually. Jeff Etter also had a good day, carding a 77.

"I played here all over the summer, so I pretty much know it," said Vicory, who adjusted well to gusty afternoon conditions.

"Earlier in the day, it wasn't that bad," he said. "But then I started to keep my shots down a little bit more, choke down and take an extra club, and keep it low."

West head coach Jay Bauer was pleased with his team's finish.

"We shot a 313, and last year we shot a 320 here, so we we're seven strokes better," Bauer said. "Out team can go eight deep. They're playing well — all have 40 or 41 averages for eight holes. The other teams were just a little better."

Plano's senior Rodney Clayton shot a 73 for a sixth-place individual finish. The Reapers finished sixth as a team with a score of 317, but Clayton was impressive on a quick course.

"The greens were real fast, but I hit the ball really good," Clayton said. "I was hitting them right down the middle on the greens and kept it there. I had only two bogeys and that was it — I was pretty consistent."

The finish was a stark improvement for Plano. Last year, the team finished 11th in the field.

"It's a huge improvement," said coach Tammy McGinnis. "It's a could've, would've, should've kind of day. A lot of the guys missed some birdie putts, which then maybe we could've finished third.

"Overall, we're up against some (Class AA) schools, and Wheaton Academy, who has been superior over the last few years. But I am really proud of the guys."

Host Aurora Central Catholic improved its overall score by six strokes over the Chargers' performance at Phillips Park in Wednesday's city tournament. ACC shot a 362 on Saturday for an 18th-place finish.

Coach Jim Parker has seen a significant improvement with his young team from last year.

"We are about 40 strokes better than we were last year at this tournament," Parker said. "I have four freshmen in my top seven, so I am pleased with our improvement. They get along pretty well. I expect us to keep getting better this year."

Marian Central finished second with a 309. Tom Conway shot a 71, good enough for a tie for second place.

Sycamore came in third with a 312. Medalist David Flynn paced Wheaton Academy with a field-best 66.

Somonauk and Sandwich tied for 14th place with a 340, and Aurora Christian shot a 368 to finish 19th.