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Green Dragons Looking For Consistency

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Lake Placid's Jeffrey Jernigan is one of the longest hitters on the team and the Green Dragon senior also has a nice touch around the greens.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 1, 2008

LAKE PLACID - With a solid nucleus of four returning players, the Lake Placid boy's golf team is practicing hard in search of better consistency on the links.

"The boys have been working hard on their games and we're looking forward to the season," said third-year Green Dragon golf coach Dan Coomes. "We've got four guys with varsity experience to lead the way and six newcomers who are going to help us as the season progresses."

Pacing the Class 1A Green Dragons is junior Kyle Thompson, who has worked hard to become a solid player.

"Kyle has put the time and effort into practicing and it's paying off," said Coomes. "He is striking the ball much better and his scores have really improved."

Senior Logan Smith, who plays on the baseball team, has a lot of natural athletic ability.

"Logan is a good athlete and I'm working with him on his swing," said the LP coach. "He is a real competitor and is learning to cut down on his swing to help keep the ball in play.

"He's a smart player and is learning course management."

Senior Jeffrey Jernigan brings three years of varsity experience to the course.

"Jeffrey has improved dramatically from last year," said Coomes. "He is swinging much better and making solid contact with the ball.

"He also has a good short game and we're counting on him to have a strong season."

Korey Cooke is a junior that played last year and gained valuable experience competing under pressure.

"Korey surprised me last year by contributing a lot and he is hitting the ball much better now," the Green Dragon coach said. "He is striking the ball with confidence and we're counting on him for a solid season."

"None of our kids are year-round golfers, but they enjoy the game, like to play and will definitely compete."

Freshman Robert Komasa, sophomore Corey Bonecutter and juniors Morgan Valentine and Ben Viox provide depth for the Green Dragons.

"All of those kids are new to the game and are working hard on the fundamentals," Coomes said. "The quicker they pick up the game, the faster we'll improve."

Lake Placid opens the season with a match at Clewiston.

"The kids are anxious to play," said Coomes. "We're in a tough district, but our goal is to improve as the season progresses and learn to compete."

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

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