Shore golf 2023: Pat Scenna wins Monmouth County title, as Wall tops CBA for team crown

HOWELL – In terms of clutch performances, you won’t get much better than the one Pat Scenna put on at Howell Park Golf Course Wednesday.

Needing a birdie on the final hole to force a playoff at 1-under-par 71 at the Monmouth County Tournament, the Wall junior rolled in a 30-footer that curled around the edge and dropped.

Then, on the first playoff hole against Christian Brothers Academy senior Jack Easter, Scenna’s approach shot on the par-4 came to rest within inches of the cup. And after Easter’s long birdie try rolled past the hole, Scenna won it with a tap-in.

“I had 131 yards, the perfect number for my gap wedge,” said Scenna of the playoff. “I thought it might be a little deep while it was in the air, but it was the exact number for what I wanted for that club. When I saw it hop I knew it was going to be good.”

More: Shore golf 2023: A look at 20 boys, girls' players having breakout seasons

There was a requisite amount of symbolism, with Scenna having led the charge as Wall dethroned Christian Brothers Academy, which had won every MCT since 2012. The Crimson Knight’s total of 312 included a third-place finish by senior Alex Menges, a Monmouth University commit who shot 72. Like Scenna, Menges rolled in a birdie putt on the final green just minutes after his teammate's heroics, with those two putts providing a two-shot victory over CBA.

It was Wall’s first MCT title since 2004, coach Matt Stefanski’s first season, adding the victory to the program’s already impressive resume, which includes a string of 10 straight NJSIAA Tournament of Champions appearances, ending with the Crimson Knights winning the 2021 Group 2 title.

Stay tuned on this rivalry.

Wall’s last Shore Conference Tournament title was also in 2004, with CBA going for its 13th straight SCT title next Wednesday at Charleston Springs in Millstone.

“It’s been 19 years from my first year of coaching until now, and I think it’s the culture that’s been set within the program,” Stefanski said. “And this is our first Monmouth County champion since I became coach. Pat is such a good player.”

More: Shore golf 2023: A look at 20 boys, girls' players having breakout seasons

Scenna, who finished third here a year ago and closed out his sophomore season by placing fourth at the Tournament of Champions, came in playing well, finishing third at last week’s Garden State Cup, while leading the Crimson Knights to the team title.

On the final green in regulation, Scenna knew where he stood, sitting at even-par and needing a birdie with a 71 already in the clubhouse.

“It was pretty big left-to-right breaker, maybe about a foot, and I gave it a little extra because I couldn’t leave it short and it just caught the edge and fell,” he said.

In the playoff, he faced a relative unknown in Easter, who was only in the lineup as the Colts No. 5 player because Jack Puma, normally in that slot, sprained an ankle.

“This is my lowest round and the best I’ve ever played,” Easter said. “Coach said he was putting me in the five spot. I had no expectations coming in.”

Easter ripped a drive on the playoff hole and only had 80 yards to the cup. But he was unable to match Scenna’s shot, eventually missing a 25-footer for birdie.

MCT BOYS RESULTS

Team: 1. Wall 312; 2. CBA 314; 3. Ranney 324; 4. Middletown South 327; 5. Colts Neck 330; 6. Allentown 331; 7. Holmdel 333; 8. tie, Freehold Twp., Holmdel 334.

Individual: 1. Pat Scenna (Wall) 71*; 2. Jack Easter (CBA) 71; 3. Alex Menges (Wall) 72; 4. Max Kuchor (Allentown) 73; 5. tie, Eric Castner (Colts Neck), Richie Reck (Middletown South) 74; 7. tie, Jack O’Connor (CBA), John Welch (Ranney), Sam Landers (Ranney), Christian Klemanowicz (Freehold Twp.)  78; 11. tie, Ansel Patel (Freehold Twp.), Daniel Cassidy (Middletown South) 79; 13. tie, Ethan Weinberg (Colts Neck), Jeremy Maia (Howell, Jack Lawless (Rumson) 80; 16. Evan Sorensen (CBA) 81; 17. tie, Ryan Kennedy (Holmdel), Braden Dente (RBC), Will Ross (Rumson), Boden Pepe (Wall) 82; 21. tie, Tyler Emken (Allentown), Patrick Sharpe (Holmdel), Niko Picchierri (Howell); Jack Hennelly (Monmouth), Mike Reed (SJV) 83; 27. tie, Matthew Colannino (CBA), Ryan Quigley (Holmdel), Matthew Merkel (Holmdel), Ruby Haloukas (Howell) 84;  31. tie, Jack Aiello (Colts Neck), Alex Jang (Marlboro), Gavin Karlin (Ranney), Mike Roberts (RBC) 85.

* won on first playoff hole.

Shore golf 2023: Pinelands' Tyhanic, Brick Memorial win Ocean County titles

LITTLE EGG HARBOR - For the past two-plus seasons, Brandan Tyhanic has been the most consistent high school golfer in Ocean County.

And on Tuesday at LBI National Golf & Resort, the Pinelands’ junior had a breakthrough performance.

On the strength of a 37 on the front nine, Tyhanic battled through the freshening afternoon winds on the back nine to capture the 50th Ocean County Tournament with an 81. After finishing third in the event a year ago, Tyhanic finished four shots clear of Barnegat sophomore Mason Krey, with Toms River East’s Tommy Renkin third at 87.

“I’ve been close in some tournaments, so it's nice to win,” Tyhanic said.

More: Starting on top: Early season Shore Conference high school spring sports team rankings

“It was tough on the back, especially with the wind. The 37 on the front helped, but just had to play through the wind on the back nine.”

It was only fitting that the Hank Handchen Trophy, named for the long-time Brick athletic director who started the OCT a half-century ago, would be heading back to the district, with Brick Memorial emerging as the team champion with a four-man total of 363, seven shots better than Point Boro and Pinelands. Leading the way for the Mustangs were seniors Eric Sliazis and Josh Michigan, who each finished at 89.

“It’s just great to win it. I’m still in regular contact with Rick, Hank's son,” said Shilanskas. “I knew we had a chance and our team played well.”

Tyhanic, who finished seventh at Central-South Group 2 to end his 2022 campaign, got off to a fast start at LBI National, rolling in a 10-foot birdie putt on the second hole, before chipping in from 15 feet on No. 9 to make the turn at 1-over-par.

“I began playing here when I was seven, so it’s nice to come here,” he said. “I’ve shot as low as 36 for nine holes.

“My mindset at that point was just stay in the moment, keep to myself and just focus on each shot the best I can.”

But that plan was put to the test immediately, when Tyhanic’s drive on No. 10 found the woods, resulting in a double-bogey on the par-5. But throughout the back nine he was able to maintain a comfortable advantage.

Next up is Monday’s Shore Conference Tournament at Charleston Spring in Millstone. The Monmouth County Tournament will be played Wednesday at Howell Park.

OCT BOYS GOLF

Team: 1. Brick Memorial 363; 2. tie, Point Boro, Pinelands 370; 4. Southern 372; 5. Toms River East 374; 6. Toms River North 402.

Individual: 1. Brandan Tyhanic (Pinelands) 81; 2. Mason Krey (Barnegat) 85; 3. Tommy Renkin (TR East) 87; 4. tie, Mailon Kent (Point Boro), Graeme Schnarre (Southern) 88; 6. tie, Eric Sliazis (Brick Memorial), Josh Michigan (Brick Memorial), Kevin Ostrander (Point Boro) 89; 9. tie, Connor Noon (Lacey), Grace Klements (Pinelands) 90; 11. tie, Peter Tadrick (Brick Memorial), Jackson Bodony (Southern), Jack Zulin (TR East), Brandon George (TR North 91; 15. Ryan Valeriano (Point Beach) 92; 16. tie, Aiden Toddings (Barnegat), Luke Schertenlieb (Pinelands) 93; 18. tie, Declan Beelitz (Brick Memorial), Demetrius Bradford (TR North) 94; 20. tie, James Monahan (Donovan Catholic), Josh Hybbeneth (Jackson Liberty), Alex Henbest (Southern) 95; 23. tie, Jack O’Connor (Point Boro), Bobby Calvo (TR East) 96; 25. tie, Cole Stacensky (Lacey), Gavin Morris (Point Boro) 97; 27. tie, Matt Goldman (Manchester), Ryan Brown (Southern) 98.

FROM MONDAY

Results from MCT, OCT girls' tournaments

NEPTUNE – It was one of those performances that catches your attention.

Because as a cold wind howled through the hills at Jumping Brook Country Club Monday, Marlboro sophomore Kashish Malik used the Monmouth County Tournament to send a message about what might be possible this spring.

Her even-par 72 in difficult conditions made her the only player in the field to break 80. And she was 2-under-par through 16 holes before settling for a nine-shot victory.

More: 20 golfers are among these 60 top high school athletes to know: Shore Conference spring sports Week 3

But Malik’s heroics were not enough to lift Marlboro to the team title, falling two shots short of Holmdel’s winning total of 381. Holmdel was led by sophomore Sirina Ganne, who finished tied for second at 81 with Isabella Scanapicco from Trinity Hall, as the two-time defending champions finished third at 394.

Rounding out the scoring for Holmdel was Minna Liange (83), Alex Schaul (88), a past champion, and Olivia King (129).

The Ocean County Tournament was also held Monday, with Barnegat junior Yasmeen Muhammad firing an 84 at Bey Lea Golf Course. It was good for a four-shot victory over Madelyn Bierne, who led Southern to the team title.

The Rams finished with a four-player total of 396, with Central finishing second at 429, six shots clear of third-place Barnegat.

Muhammad was actually tied for the lead with Jackson Memorial's Cloe Wright after 11 holes, before fulling away over the final seven holes, with Wright finishing third at 89. Two-time defending champion Grace Klements from Pinelands finished tied for fourth place.

Plot thickens

Malik's victory adds to the storylines for next Monday’s Shore Conference Tournament at Jumping Brook, when Malik tries to defend her title from a year ago, when she scored a six-shot victory.

“I’m excited to get back in these tournaments again,” Malik said. “Excited to play Shore next week, sections. I’m ready for all that.”

A year ago, Malik used her Shore Conference victory as a springboard to a big win at the NJSIAA South sectional. And if this performance is any indication, making an impact at the season-ending Tournament of Champions is a realistic goal.

The NJSIAA sectionals will be played May 8-10 around the state, while the Tournament of Champions is set for May 15 at Raritan Valley.

More: Shore golf 2023: Colts Neck's Ethan Weinberg wins Wall Invitational; Westfield takes team title

On Monday, Malik was a model of consistency as Mother Nature tested the field. Through her first 16 holes she had 14 pars and two birdies, rolling in a 20-footer to go 1-under on the par-3, third hole. She added a 15-footer for birdie on the par-5, 12th hole.

“The wind definitely picked up on the last few holes, but it wasn’t that bad on the front nine,” Malik said.

After a short tee shot on the par-4, 17th hole, Malik pulled her 3-wood second shot, with the ball coming to rest near a hazard. She opted to take an unplayable lie, before chipping onto the green and escaping with a double bogey.

“It was better than a triple bogey,” she explained.

“I hit my hybrid off the tee. I didn’t want to hit my 3-wood because it was hooking, but my hybrid went high and the wind pushed it back. So then I had to take my 3-wood, and obviously I hooked it. And then I end up down right before the hazard and I’m on a root.”

MCT GIRLS' GOLF RESULTS

Team: Holmdel 381; 2. Marlboro 383; 3. Trinity Hall 394; 4. St. Rose 416; 5. Colts Neck 420; 6. Shore 444; 7. Wall 457; 8. Rumson-Fair Haven 463.

Individual: 1. Kashish Malik (Marlboro) 72; 2. tie, Isabella Scanapicco (Trinity Hall), Sirina Ganne (Holmdel) 81; 4. Kathleen Castner (Colts Neck) 82; 5. Minna Liange (Holmdel) 83; 6. Catharine Little (Trinity Hall) 85; 7. Riley Lawrence (Shore) 87; 8. Alex Schaul (Holmdel) 88; 9. Ruby Haloukas (Howell) 89; 10. Sabrina Liding (Freehold Twp.) 92; 11. Tatiana Konczyk (St. Rose) 96; 12. Peyton Cerminaro (Howell) 97; 13. Reese Corcoran (Ocean) 99; 14., tie. Capri Yarosz (Colts Neck), Caroline Hickey (Rumson) 100; 16. tie, Colleen Ragan (St. Rose), Gwendolyn Chan (Marlboro) 101; 18. Ava Ciaglia (Marlboro) 103; 19. tie, Clare Dolan (St. Rose), Erin Farrell (Wall) 104; 21. Gabriela Perini (Marlboro) 107; 23. Cate O’Grady (St. John Vianney); 24. tie, Leah Krampert (Trinity Hall); Alex Presutti (Ranney) 111.

OCT GIRLS’ GOLF RESULTS

Team: 1.  Southern 396; 2. Central 429; 3. Barnegat 435; 4. Lacey 437; 5. Toms River South 472; 6. Jackson Memorial 473; 7. Toms River East 503.

Individual: 1. Yasmeen Muhammad (Barnegat) 84; 1. Madelyn Bierne (Southern) 88; 3. Cloe Wright (Jackson Memorial) 89; 4. tie, Sami Reilly (Southern), Addison Salais (Jackson Liberty), Grace Klements (Pinelands) 90; 7. Shay Bevins (Central) 94; 8. Jillian Becker (Pinelands) 95; 9. Julia Morch (Barnegat) 100; 10. Laina Foster (Southern) 101; 11. Riley Hussey (TR South) 1-2; 12. Haley Austin (Lacey) 103; 13. tie, AvaGrace Marotta (Central), Lilly Hodgson (Lacey), Riley Stryker (TR North), Bella Compitello (Southern) 106; 17. Megan Weatherstone (TR South) 108; 18. Grace Monetti (TR East) 109; 19. tie, Brigette Wixted (Central), Erin Gavin (Lacey) 111; 21. tie, Ashley Pierson (Southern), Kiley Hill (Point Boro) 112; 23. Olivia Sandoval (Jackson Memorial) 116; 24. Lexi Cirillo (Lacey)117; 25. tie, Maria Thompson (Central), Sophia Bates (Southern) 118.

Also from Monday:

Is CBA's dominance over? Plus: boys, girls rankings

How strong has Christian Brothers Academy’s stranglehold been on Shore Conference golf?

Consider that the Colts have won every Monmouth County Tournament since 2012, when the Colts set a record by shooting 288 – that’s an average of 72 for four players – at Charleston Springs in Millstone.

And when it comes to the Shore Conference Tournament, you have to go all the way back to 2009 to find someone other than the Colts winning the league championship. That was when Howell ended what at the time was a string of four straight CBA wins in the event.

But there could be a changing of the guard, beginning this week, on what looms as a highly competitive golfing landscape locally.

The Monmouth County boys’ tournament is Wednesday at Howell Park, with the Shore Conference Tournament set for next Monday at Charleston Springs. In addition, the boys’ Ocean County Tournament is Tuesday at LBI National, while the girls’ MCT and OCT will be played Monday.

Up for grabs

The playing field is as level right now as it’s been in over two decades, back when Wall shot 299 to win the SCT in 2002, and then won it again in 2004, with Toms River North winning it in 2003.

“We won Monmouth County and Shore Conference my first year as coach in 2004, and we haven’t won either since,” said Matt Stefanski, whose Wall team enters this week ranked No. 1 in the latest Top 10.

The Crimson Knights, the 2021 Group 2 champs, opened the season by finishing second to 2021 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions winner Westfield at the Wall Invitational, and then beat a stellar field in difficult conditions at the Garden State Cup after finishing tied with Don Bosco at 313, with CBA 11 shots back in a tie for fourth.

More: Top Shore boys, girls golfers ranked for 2023 season: plus, team rankings, key dates

Colts Neck finished two shots behind Wall in third at the Wall Invitational, with Ethan Weinberg winning the individual title, before the Wall beat Colts Neck by a shot a day later in a regular-season match.

Another top contender is Middletown South, coming off a big week in which the Eagles won the Sayreville Bombers Classic, with Dan Cassidy firing a 71 to take the individual title, before beating CBA in an A North clash, with Richie Reck shooting 36.

In Ocean County, Toms River East has emerged as one of the favorites after Donovan Catholic took the title a year ago, with the always-strong Southern right there.

On the girls’ side, Trinity Hall, the two-time defending champions in both the SCT and MCT, head in as the favorites to make it a three-peat. But Holmdel is 7-0 in matches this season and finished third behind Trinity Hall in both of the area’s major championships a year ago.

Meanwhile, Marlboro, which placed second behind Trinity Hall at the SCT and MCT a year ago, has split a pair of regular-season matches with Colts Neck, with both teams expected to be in the hunt for titles.

Check back right here this week for complete coverage of the county tournaments. And check out the latest Asbury Park Press boys and girls top 10 rankings at the end of this story.

Here are our latest boys’ and girls’ golf rankings:

BOYS TOP 10

1. Wall (8-0)

2. Colts Neck (4-1)

3. Rumson (3-1)

4. Middletown South (1-0)

5.. CBA (3-1)

6. Holmdel (5-0)

7. Ranney (9-1)

8. Toms River East (4-0)

9. Southern (6-2)

10. Red Bank (4-0)

GIRLS TOP 5

1. Trinity Hall (1-0)

2. Holmdel (7-0)

3. Colts Neck (6-1)

4. Marlboro (7-1)

5. Southern (8-0)

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Shore NJ golf 2023: Pat Scenna, Wall win Monmouth County titles