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Quality Over Quantity

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Avon Park sophomore Greg Gentry had a strong summer on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour and looks to carry that over into the high school season for the Red Devils.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 24, 2008

AVON PARK - With six players back from last year's squad, the Avon Park High School boy's golf team certainly isn't lacking experience.

The difference between a good season and a great season for the Red Devils in 2008 depends on the improvement of the talented youngsters, and whether they can perform at a high level on a consistent basis.

"I'm excited about the season because we have a good core group of players back from last year's team," said veteran Avon Park golf coach Bobby Barben. "We've also got several new players on the team that should give us more depth."

For Barben, the reigning Highlands County Amateur champion, it isn't about quantity, but quality.

"We've got three or four guys that are pretty consistent," Barben said. "We've got lots of players, but we need some of the other guys to step it up and play well if we're going to reach our full potential as a team."

Sophomore Greg Gentry, who averaged 38.1 for nine holes last year, is coming off a strong summer on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour.

The talented left-hander and member of the 2007 All-Heartland golf team, is primed to have a stellar campaign.

"Greg worked hard on his game over the summer," said Barben. "He's very talented, mentally tough and has the confidence that he can hit every shot. He got a little quick with his swing over the summer, but we're working to slow him down.

"He's a little quick like Tom Watson, but his short game is so good that he can get it up and down from a garbage can."

Senior Austin Smith, who qualified for regionals with a 39.4 average and was also a member of the All-Heartland golf team last year, had an excellent summer on the Sertoma Tour and has looked good in practice.

"Austin played a lot of golf over the summer, and it shows," said the AP coach. "He is so strong and hits it so long, but is still working on his course management.

"The woods are full of long hitters and he's learning that sometimes length can be a detriment."

Junior Clay Davis, another All-Heartland member, is also a key cog for the Red Devil linksters.

"Clay is talented and has a good work ethic," said Barben. "He is one of the best drivers of the ball that I've ever seen and is coming off a solid summer.

"He just needs to fine-tune his short game and I know he's going to be a big help this season."

Junior John Tracey provides length off the tee.

"John is a big, strong kid and hits it long," Barben said. "He is working to control his power. He had a good summer on the Sertoma Tour, and if we can keep his club on plane he has a chance to shoot some good scores."

Junior Evan Danzey is another veteran of the Sertoma Tour, and the left-hander has the ability to contribute on a regular basis.

"Evan is another strong player," said Barben. "He played solid this summer and is swinging the club well heading into the season,' said Barben.

Junior Chad Marley played on the Avon Park junior varsity squad last year and has the athleticism to make a contribution as the season progresses

"We've been working on Chad's swing and he is starting to hit the ball better," Barben said. "He's a good athlete that just needs to spend more time on the golf course."

The Class 1A Red Devils are in a very competitive District 6 and Barben has scheduled some tough opponents to prepare his squad for the postseason.

"We want to play against good competition so we're not intimidated at the district tournament," said Barben. "We have to compete against several private schools and playing under pressure against good players will prepare us for what's ahead."

Avon Park opens the season on Monday against DeSoto High at the Bluffs.

"We're looking forward to the season," said Barben. "They have to prove it on the course, but this team has the talent to take our program to the next level.

"We've been pretty good, but we want to take the next step."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandstoday.com

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