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East looks to break through ECIC North
If the Flames are to accomplish this goal, it's not because they are overlooking any opponent. "We're always looking at ourselves as the No. 6 team (six teams in the North Large School Division)," said East coach Dave Delisanti. "We need to go out there and work our way up the ladder and prove to everybody at the end of the year that we were the best team in the division." Several players from last year's team graduated, but Delisanti has a good core of returning players that he is going to rely on. "I have a good mix of seniors with a lot of experience and some ninth- and tenth-graders who have a little bit of experience but a lot of talent," Delisanti said. "I think that combination will mold us into a good team." Leading the pack is Justin Cardon. The senior was the team's scoring champion last year with a 39.88, 12th best in the ECIC. He averaged 4.43 per hole in league play. He also qualified for sectionals after going to the state meet as a sophomore. In practice this season, he's averaging around 35 for nine holes. Cardon is co-captain with Dave Rundell. "Justin spent time at a golf camp in Florida during the offseason, and you can see a dramatic difference in his game," said Delisanti. "He's really matured into a good golfer. Around the greens, he's very consistent. He never takes more than the golf course gives you. I think he's hitting his stride right now." Delisanti said Cardon has a lot of individual and team expectations. "He doesn't lose sight that it's a team game," said Delisanti. "He wants to go 10-0 in the league just as bad as he wants to return to states." Rundell, a left-hander, should play somewhere in the starting lineup. He has a 41-stroke average for nine holes. Other Flames who should contribute are seniors Mark Chaskes, Josh DiMarco, Eric and Adam Burtch, and freshmen Sean Mahon and Billy Gaffney. Mahon and Gaffney enter their third year on varsity; the rest are entering their fourth years. Chaskes recently took second at a Westwood junior championship. "Mark and Josh know what it takes to post good scores in matches," said Delisanti. Mahon qualified for sectionals as an eighth-grader; Gaffney made it to ECICs. "Although they're only ninth-graders, they're as mature as juniors and seniors," said Delisanti. "They've really taken advantage of the opportunities their parents have given them, whether it is playing at a country club or in competitive golf tournaments. They know what their strengths and limitations are." "We're trying to get them on a consistent basis where they keep their scores in the upper 30s and don't stray into the mid-40s," added Delisanti. Other returning golfers who will have a more significant role are sophomores Joe Cantafio, Andrew Legarreta, Ryan McMahan and Matt Stanko. "They will be called upon to contribute to scores in all matches," said Delisanti. "All of them have improved their stroke average by about five strokes each since last year." Freshmen Sunny Kim, Brendan Lanighan, and Eric Stolzenburg and sophomore Nick Bordanaro comprise the future of the team, Delisanti said. Also returning is senior Will Dixon, a third-year player. The team's managers are eighth-graders Kyle Keiffer and Scott Baum. Delisanti said for the team to be successful, he is going to need the top five golfers to play consistently and the bottom four guys to post good scores to keep them competitive. "I think we don't let our numbers get too inflated in matches, we'll do just fine," said Delisanti. "I think we'll be competitive in the division." East opened on Monday with a 283-330 win over Williamsville South. Also on the schedule is the Williamsville Cup, which the Flames won in 2005 but couldn't defend last year because of the October snowstorm.
East plays its home matches at Transit Valley Country Club. Delisanti said the team is looking forward to the privilege of playing there again this year. |
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