The bar is high in the TRL, but the Pacers believe they can compete for a state berth.
Team: Lakeridge boys golf
Coach: Lisa Johnson
Team Leaders: Junior Nilay Naik (he placed 10th at the TRL district tournament and 50th at the Class 6A state tournament), sophomore Rylan Smalley and freshman Noah Willott, along with sophomore Adam Farrell, freshman Jaden McCluskey and freshman David Park.
“Nilay Naik … has a strong work ethic and leads by example,” Lakeridge’s first-year coach Lisa Johnson said. “Nilay’s understanding of how to manage his game is years ahead of most players at his grade level. He has a complete technical game with solid fundamentals and a strong mental game.”
Johnson sees good things ahead for both Smalley and Willott, too.
“Rylan (has) added shot-making variety to his game inside 100 yards, and the scores will continue to improve as he implements that into tournament play,” Johnson said, adding that Willott “is a long hitter with a dynamic game that will serve him well in high school. Noah is learning how to play to his strengths as he better manages the course and making slight adjustments to his putting stroke.”
League Race: Johnson said that Lake Oswego’s numerous year-round players should give it an edge in 2023, though both Tigard and West Linn enjoy some of the same strengths.
Her Pacers, Johnson said, hope to use their competitive nature to grow and improve during the season.
“We have a large team and lots of competition for the varsity spots,” she said. “This competition should help our team grow and improve at a rapid rate. We look to compete among the top-three teams.”
See the West Linn boys preview by clicking here.
See the Lake Oswego boys preview by clicking here.
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