Central York takes second, York Catholic finishes third in District 3 golf action

One of the interesting dynamics of high school golf is that, for most schools, the team season ends well before the individual action comes to a close.

That statement holds true for Central York after Tuesday's runner-up finish at the District 3-AAA Team Tournament at Briarwood Golf Club's East Course.

Manheim Township continued its dominance of the district scene, winning its fifth straight title with a combined score of 295. Chambersburg was third at 315 and Wilson finished fourth at 321.

"This was, naturally, a big disappointment," Central York coach Mike Ruby said. "We played well right up to the end. My hat's off to Manheim Township. Everyone on the team could have played a little bit better, but it was a team thing, not an individual thing. I'm very proud of them, I couldn't be more proud of them. I feel sorry for Gus (Minkin), being his senior year. But we have individuals starting Friday, and who knows, we could have two first-place ties here (Minkin and Joe Parrini) for medalist."

The Panthers finished with a team total of 300 and were led by Minkin and Connor Bacha, who each carded a 73. Rounding out the scoring for Central York was Parrini with a 76 and Matt Bricker with a 78.

Minkin began his day on the 13th hole, where he got off to a slow start with a bogey. He immediately made up that stroke with a birdie on the 14th and later added another birdie on the 17th. A birdie on No. 1 and two more pars on No. 2 and No. 3 had him 2 under after his first nine holes. Four bogeys and a final-hole birdie on his final nine gave him his 73.

"I was actually playing pretty well for most of the round, well at least half way through the round," Minkin said. "I didn't play terribly, but could have shot a few shots better for sure."

Minkin cited putting woes down the stretch Tuesday, but he still likes his chances during individual play should he correct them.

"Definitely need to fix my putting," Minkin said. "But if I hit it the same, I should definitely be able to compete."

Despite team play being finished, the postseason continues for a large contingent of Panthers. Minkin, Bacha, Parrini, Bricker, Brady St. Pierre and Julianne Lee will all participate in the District 3 Individual Championships beginning Friday back at Briarwood.

Like Minkin, Parrini was able to close with a little momentum of his own. On his last hole played, the par-4 11th, Parrini took advantage of a huge drive by stiffing an uphill approach shot to within eight feet of a back-right pin and sinking the putt for birdie.

The Panthers, although they lose Minkin and Bacha, should be strong again next season. Parrini, Bricker and Lee should return to a team that will look to repeat as York-Adams Division I champion.

Class AA: The team season also came to a close for York Catholic on Tuesday. The Irish finished third in the AA competition with a 329. Lancaster Catholic emerged victorious with a 310 and Berks Catholic was runner-up at 322. Trinity was fourth at 364 and Lancaster Country Day was fifth at 369.

The Irish were led by a 73 from Andrew Forjan, tying him for the best round by a York-Adams golfer with Minkin and Bacha. Completing the York Catholic scoring was Jon Giambalvo (81), Dillon Hippensteel (86) and Josh Stewart (89).

The Irish will also see a large number of team members competing Friday in the individual tournament. Forjan, Giambalvo, Hippensteel, Stewart and Steven Nigro will represent their squad.

Forjan's day was steady, carding 16 pars en route to his 1-over-par score. A bad lie on the 11th hole ultimately led to a double bogey, but Forjan got a stroke back with a birdie on the par-3 14th.

"I played really solid today," Forjan said. "Really consistent today, so I'm pretty happy with myself."

Forjan is also hoping to capitalize off the momentum of Tuesday's round come Friday.

"I missed a few birdie putts, about 10 to 15 feet, that I'm sure I can make," Forjan said. "Last week I struggled a little, so this really helps with my confidence a lot."

The future also looks good for the Irish as a team. With no seniors on the 2015 team, York Catholic will again likely be the favorite in Division III when York-Adams play resumes next year.

— Reach Elijah Armold at earmold@yorkdispatch.com.