GolfNewsRI

The third installment of the 2023 High School Golf Preview Series takes us to the South Division. 

The Division could very well be a battle between Prout and Narragansett, with North Kingstown making another run as well. 

Prout returns a veteran lineup, Narragansett has one of the best players in the state, and NK have a title to defend. 

Prout

Prout comes into the season looking to build off what was a very successful 2022 campaign, and they have the players to do it this season. 

“Prout has one of the deepest rosters we have had in the 6 years myself and Assistant Coach Donna Nardone, have been coaching together,” said head coach Brendon Ray. 

The Crusaders made it to day two of the State Championship tournament for the first time in program history last season and are returning their entire lineup this season. 

This season, they return senior captain Mark Roberts and senior assistant captains DJ Bruno and Andrew DiCarlo. 

Bruno and DiCarlo carded rounds of 79 and 81 respectively in the State Championship. 

Prout will also look for contributions from returners Caleb Burnett and Harris Krupp. 

Then there are newcomers. 

“Solid group of newcomers looking to be regular contributors in EWG transfer Charlie Horne, and freshmen Alec Morrone, Lucas Leroux and Ava Andoscia,” said Ray. 

On paper, Prout will be a force this season in the South Division. 

Narragansett

Narragansett just missed the second day cut at last year’s State Championship tournament. 

This season the Mariners return star players Sebastian Carlsson and Jacob Biafore in an attempt to get back to the big dance. 

As GolfNewsRI reported, Carlsson has committed to play golf at the University of Rhode Island next season. 

“Seb is new to competitive golf but has made tremendous progress. He is another player who has enjoyed the benefits of the Challenge Cup,” said URI head coach Gregg Burke. 

Just a few months after he committed, Carlsson went out and won the Challenge Cup Junior Invitational. 

You could argue that he is the “hottest” player heading into the high school season. 

Biafore was in the low to mid 40s for the majority of last season and carded an 85 in the State Tournament, tied for the second best score on the team. 

Other than Carlsson and Biafore, Narragansett will look for contributions from returner Nick Davenport, who saw some time last season. 

Gansett will also seek production from the two freshmen on their roster, William Ferraro and Beckett Manton. 

North Kingstown

North Kingstown won the South Division last season and advanced to the State Championship Tournament. 

However, they did not amen the cut, as they were edged out by division rival Prout. 

This season, North Kingstown will be led by junior Will Owens, who finished in a tie for 10th at the State Championship last season with rounds of 78 and 75.

Another player that North Kingstown returns is junior Brayden Dickinson. 

Dickinson was consistently in the mid to low 40s last season, but carded an 85 in the State Championship which saw him miss the cut. 

Best of the Rest

Exeter West Greenwich – EWG finished fifth in the division last year two shots behind Coventry, who is no longer in the division.

“This season is going to be a bit of a rebuilding year.  We have lost our 1 & 2’s from last year.  It will be hard to make up their scores moving forward this year,” said head coach John Krom.

The Scarlet Knights return two of their top players from last season in Robert Simoes and Tyler Lagasse.

Both of those players were shooting in the mid-40s last season and will look to improve on that.

Brooke Barner and Jack Jardin will also be key players for EWG in their effort to build momentum.

“Brooke Barner, she is a junior this year.  She played in most of our matches last season as our #6.  She has by far been the most improved of all golfers.  She has lowered her scoring average by about 8 and has been consistently shooting in the low 40’s.  She will undoubtedly be our #3 but I believe she could compete for the top spot if she continues on this trajectory.  She seems to be improving daily,” said Krom.

South Kingstown – South Kingstown’s 2023 lineup consists of a slew of seniors and a slew of freshman. 

The Rebels will look to seniors William Schold and Matt Lemme to lead the way. 

Both of those players have experience from last season, with Schold typically posting in the 40s, while Lemme had a few rounds in the mid 50s. 

How much the Skippers can get out of their stable of freshman could be the key to the season. 

The other teams in the division are Westerly and Chariho, both of whom will look to bounce back from their 2022 seasons.