SAN LEANDRO — If there was any question about the direction the Kelseyville High School golf team would take this season, the San Leandro Invitational shoved aside any lingering doubts.
Playing in a 16-team of mostly large schools on Monday at the par-72 Tony Lema layout, the Knights tied Piedmont for second place with a score of 409. Alhambra won the team title with 388, while Castro Valley (411) and Arroyo (419) rounded out the top five.
“For us to be competitive with the East Bay boys, it was impressive,” Kelseyville coach John Berry said. “If we keep improving, this might be the equal of my club a couple of seasons ago. We won”t go 48-0 in league, but we”ll be in good shape for the playoffs.”
Kelseyville also finished third in the Hilmar Tournament earlier this month at Stevinson Ranch.
“Twice we”ve played well at tournaments against good competition,” Berry said. “That”s a good sign.”
The low round on Monday went to Elliot Bushchio of Alhambra and Harold Santos of Arroyo, both with even-par rounds of 72. Tied for third, one shot back, were Hipolito Perez of Kelseyville and Lawrence Fu of Piedmont at 73. Nick Schaefer of Kelseyville came in fifth with 75.
Other Kelseyville scores had Tyler Drake at 79, Jonathan Bridges at 88 and Wyatt Ferrell at 94. Perez carded four birdies and Schaefer and Drake had two apiece.
“I”m very pleased with the way we”re playing,” Berry said. “We”re a championship-caliber team, no doubt about it. We may be able to go places.”
Kelseyville resumes its Coastal Mountain Conference South schedule on Thursday at Adobe Creek in Petaluma. The Knights lead the South by two games over St. Vincent.
