A Straight Shooter

Combining a sweet swing with ability and a competitive spirit, Avon Park's Greg Gentry became a force on the golf course during the fall high school golf season.

And it all started with his first match.

"We played in DeSoto right at the beginning of the year, and I shot a 34 and the rest of our team shot 38," Gentry said. "We broke a few school records that day, and we figured we could do nothing but get better the rest of the season."

The Red Devil sophomore averaged a team-best 37 for nine holes and earned medalist honors at the Class 1A-District 16 tournament at The Links at Greenfield Plantation with a 74. His solid play helped Avon Park finish second and qualify for the regional tournament.

For his accomplishments and ability, Gentry has been selected as the Highlands Today's 2008 All-Heartland Boys Golfer of the Year.

Gentry, who had an excellent summer on the Sertoma Junior Golf Tour, carried that momentum into the fall and was a consistent performer for the Red Devils.

"Sertoma kept me playing instead of sitting around," Gentry said. "And it's playing for competition, not just for practice. That makes it more fun."

Gentry said his iron game improved the most this season, and that once he feels a bit more comfortable on the greens, his game will be where he wants it to be.

"Greg is an all-round good player," said Avon Park coach Bobby Barben. "He drives it well, has a good short game and is a good thinker on the course.

"He has a lot of ability and is a tenacious competitor."

One of his biggest competitors was fellow left-hander Blake Liles, who battled Gentry throughout the summer Sertoma season and fall.

"We always played together and it was always back and forth," Gentry said. "One week it was him, the next week it was me."

Barben said his young gun is improving all the time, and that he has the right combination of mental and physical game to be one of the best AP golfers the school has ever seen.

"Greg had a great season and is working on improving his game," said Barben. "He is confident without being cocky and is mentally tough."

The Team

Blake Liles, junior, Sebring Liles, in his third year of varsity competition, averaged 38 for nine holes for the Blue Streaks.

Liles, who was a member of the 2007 All-Heartland team, shot an 80 at the Class 2A-District 9 tournament at Imperial Lakes Country Club in Lakeland to help Sebring finish third and qualify for the regional tournament.

"Blake hits it long and also has an excellent short game," said first-year Sebring coach Vince Liles. "When he missed greens he was able to get up and down most of the time.

"He has a lot of ability, has the desire to get better and is working on his course management to become an elite player."

Clay Davis, junior, Avon Park Davis, in his third year of varsity competition, averaged 38 for nine holes and was a consistent performer for the Red Devils.

"Clay had a solid season and is a very good driver of the ball," Barben said. "He also chips and putts well and when he's on, he hits a lot of fairways."

Kyle Thompson, junior, Lake Placid Thompson averaged 40 for nine holes in leading the Green Dragons during the fall.

"Kyle is a solid player and has good course management," said Lake Placid coach Dan Coomes. "He works hard on his game and is a grinder on the course.

"He has a good attitude and should be even better next year."

Austin Smith, senior, Avon Park Smith, playing despite a knee injury, managed to average 41 in his fourth year of varsity play for the Red Devils.

"Austin started as a freshman and had an outstanding career," said Barben. "He's a solid player and we're going to miss him next year."

Zach Foster, senior, Sebring Foster, in his fourth year of varsity play, averaged 41 for nine holes in a solid season on the links.

Foster carded a team-best 78 at the district tournament to lead the Blue Streaks to the regional tournament.

"Zach is a good player and has excellent course management," said coach Liles. "He keeps the ball in play and was a consistent performer for us all season."

Evan Danzey, junior, Avon Park Danzey averaged 42 for nine holes and made a real contribution to the Red Devils.

"Evan is real strong and hits the ball along way," said the Avon Park coach. "He is mentally tough and has the potential to be a good player."

John Tracey, junior, Avon Park Tracey improved as the season progressed and used his strength to his advantage.

"John is very strong and hits the ball a long way," said Barben. "He is a big guy and has to keep his swing on plane.

"He has a lot of potential and should be a force for us next year."

John Vicker, senior, Sebring Vicker averaged 42 for nine holes to help the Blue Streaks go 9-4 on the season and qualify for the regional tournament.

"John hits it long off the tee," said the Blue Streak coach. "He was solid all year for us and was someone we counted on every match."

Honorable Mention

Tyler Sanders, sophomore, Sebring Sanders averaged 42 for nine holes and steadily improved over the course of the season.

"Tyler worked hard on his game and came on strong as the season wore on," said coach Liles. "He has a lot of potential and should be a force next year."

Sean Garner, sophomore, Sebring Garner averaged 42 for nine holes and became a key contributor as the season progressed.

"Sean worked hard on his game on the Sertoma Junior Tour and it paid off during the season," said coach Liles. "He has a good work ethic and gives us another solid player coming back next year."

Coach Of The Year

For guiding the Avon Park boys team to an impressive 9-1 record, a second-place finish at the Class 1A-District 16 tournament and a spot in the regional tournament, Red Devil coach Bobby Barben has been selected as Highlands Today's All-Heartland Boys Golf Coach of the Year.