Golfers seek repeat championship

The Sisters boys varsity golf team knows there's only one way to improve upon last year's state championship run: They'll have to repeat their performance.

The team has all the ingredients for a successful defense of the crown.

"We have five kids returning who have varsity experience," said Coach Jeff Barton. "We should be one of the top teams in the state."

The core of last year's team returns intact. That would be the Green brothers -- Jonathan (a junior) and twins David and Christian (sophomores.)

Justin Little will provide senior leadership, and Adam Perry contributed to last year's team as well.

"Two others have improved tremendously," Barton said. "Zach Sweeney and Jeremy Debord worked hard on their game this past summer. There should be lots of competition for the five varsity spots.

"We should be at least as good as last year, and with a year of experience and improving, maybe better," Barton said. "They've already turned in some good scores. In qualifying before spring break, the top four scores were an eye-popping 299 -- and that was in terrible weather conditions with a chill factor of about 10 degrees."

The coach thinks Redmond and Summit High will provide tough competition locally. At the state 3A level, Barton says that Tillamook will give the Outlaws a run for their money.

"They took third in state last year, and they are a very young and talented team," Barton said. "Winning the state championship is not an easy thing -- a lot of things have to go right."

But, he admitted, "We're probably the odds-on favorite to repeat."

The boys have four matches in seven days, concluding with the Aspen Lakes Home Invitational on Monday, April 8.