Charlie Benson is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Chaparral High School for AZPreps365.com

Chaparral took second place at the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) championship at Silverado Golf Club on Oct. 16, after a strong showing from senior Hudson Ross. The Firebirds posted a 292 (12-over par), falling 12 strokes short of Desert Mountain (280, even par).

Ross shot a 68 (2-under) for a silver medal in the individual competition. Desert Mountain sophomore Connor Bringhurst, ranked No. 1 in Division II, shined on the front nine with six birdies and no bogeys, taking home gold for the Wolves. Desert Mountain sophomore Ryan Noll rounded out the podium.

Ross felt he could have done more on the course despite medaling in second. 

“I was just on fall break, came back a little rusty, but two under won’t hurt anyone,” Ross said.

Ross' fellow senior Jack Hart, who finished 9 over par, expressed similar concerns about the time off.

“I just played my first round back in about 13 days,” Hart said. “It was either going to be a 69 or a 79.”

Ross poses with his silver medal after the tournament.  (Charlie Benson photo/AZPreps365)

All five Desert Mountain golfers finished in the top eight on the individual leaderboard, followed by Chaparral junior Cameron Summerhays, who shot a 73.

Chaparral sophomore Aleksei Panek started off the round with a birdie, but his score only rose. A triple bogey on the 15th hole dashed any hopes of a round under par. Junior Trey Meyer finished off the Firebird scorecard with a 75.

Chaparral coach Jim Cochran thought the course did not suit his team, but he remains confident.

“This course is not our cup of tea,” Cochran said. “Better players try to get too much out of it, and that’s what led to our demise.”

Arcadia finished third with a 300, followed by Saguaro (310) and Coronado (441).

Chaparral’s next tournament is the state championship on Oct. 30 at Aguila Golf Course.