Oct. 18--BLOOMINGTON, Ill. -- Hinsdale Central's quest to make history hit a few snags during Saturday's Class 3A boys golf state tournament.
Defending champion Kenneth Li broke his normal stoic expression on the 16th hole, yelling in frustration over his play.
Red Devils junior Brendan O'Reilly, an Illinois recruit, pounded the turf a few times following a triple-bogey on the par-5 fifth hole.
Frustration and inconsistent play were partners for Hinsdale Central during the first nine holes at the Den at Fox Creek, though the Red Devils recovered on the back nine quickly enough to save a two-day total of 45-over-par 621 to win their fourth straight team title.
The boys golf title was the Red Devils' seventh, and their fourth straight tied the 70-year-old large-class record of Rockford East (1942-45). New Trier finished three shots behind Hinsdale Central at 624, with Neuqua Valley at 625.
"The last two championships were blowouts and we knew we had the title," said O'Reilly, who finished seventh place with a 10-over 154. "This year was crazy because at some point there was a great chance we could've lost it. It was definitely an alarm. We had to go to more of a defensive mode, and it became a par race on the back nine."
Li finished his prep golf tenure by finishing 19th with a two-day tally of 13-over 157.
"It was a rough day out there for everyone, just a grind," Li said. "We were struggling trying to get the ball in the hole all day. It was a lot bumpier road this year to say the least but we got it done."
Edwardsville senior Justin Hemings shot a 2-under 34 on the back nine to cap a stellar showing and win the individual title with a 1-over 145. Prairie Ridge junior Ethan Farnam placed second, two strokes behind.
"I expected to be a contender this year, and felt I did well this weekend," Hemings said. "I worked a lot more on my game, and felt I'm a better player this year. I got my driver figured out early in the year and I putted well."
Lake Forest sophomore Connor Polender wrapped up a solid season with a third-place finish (6-over 150) in his first trip to state.
"It wasn't ideal conditions, but I played steady for the two days," Polender said. "I got off to a bad start today, but battled and finished strong."
Bob Narang is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
Top teams
621 (+45): Hinsdale Central
624 (+48): New Trier
625 (+49): Neuqua Valley
Top individuals
145 (+1): Justin Hemings, Edwardsville sr.
147 (+3): Ethan Farnam, Prairie Ridge jr.
150 (+6): Connor Polender, Lk. Forest so.
