Eagles place third at HCC, Wall makes all-conference

Will Willems, The Lebanon Reporter, Ind.
·3 min read

May 15—CICERO — It wasn't the best round they have put forth this year, but it was a solid showing for the Zionsville boys golf team at the HCC Tournament on Monday afternoon at Bear Slide.

The seventh-ranked Eagles shot a 309 to place third overall.

"We didn't have our best stuff today, and that was clear a few holes in," Zionsville head coach Steve Simmons said. "We were just a little off today, from top to bottom."

Every year the HCC is top-to-bottom the toughest golf conference in the state.

Monday was no exception as No. 2 Westfield and No. 3 HSE each shot team scores of 279.

No. 12 Noblesville was fourth overall with a 310.

Simmons said seeing the conference teams not only on Monday, but throughout the year is good for his team.

"Two teams shooting 279 out here, we have never seen that kind of play before at the conference tournament," Simmons said. "That was very impressive by Westfield and HSE. I think our guys are a little disappointed and they know they are capable of more, but we will go back to wok and we'll be better next week."

Andrew Wall led the Eagles with a 73, earning first-team all-conference honors.

He shot 38 on the front and 35 on the back.

"Andrew had a great round today, and really only made one bad swing all day," Simmons said. "I think he feels good about where he is at. His ball striking has just continued to improve over the last year, and he is putting it better. When you start getting good rounds, you confidence increases and I think his confidence is pretty high right now so I expect this to continue."

Gavin Poole and Max Steiner each shot 78s for the Eagles.

Adam Melliere was the final scoring Eagle with an 80.

"Max Steiner was our No. 5 today and he's freshman who is working really hard," Simmons said. "He's been maybe our most consistent player, shooting between 77 and 81 all year. I know he was a little nervous today, but I am proud of the way he played all day."

Also placing for the Eagles were Kevin McGowan (80) and Bryce Conlee (83).

The tournament came just two days after a strong showing for the Eagles, who placed second at the Brownsburg Invite at Trophy Club.

Zionsville shot a 298, placing just three shots behind HSE.

Melliere and Poole led the Eagles with 72s, with Wall shooting a 73.

Steiner had an 81, with Conlee shooting an 82 and McGowan an 84.

"We have as much potential as anybody," Simmons said. "Do I think 279 is out there for us? Maybe not yet, but we have a lot of talent on this team and these guys have worked really hard. If we come out and have four guys out there with their 'A' game, then I think we can play with anybody and can surprise some people. Our best golf is ahead of us."

Zionsville is off until Saturday, when they play in the West Lafayette Invite at Kampen.

"We need some rest," Simmons said. "We are going to have a light week before going up to Purdue and playing a really good course on Saturday. We have finals coming up too, and if we can come back after school gets out and just focus on golf, I think we are going to be in a good spot."

Will Willems is the Sports Editor of the Lebanon Reporter. Follow him on Twitter @Will_Willems.