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All Citrus/Hernando golf

By DAWN REISS
Published December 27, 2006

Coach of the year: Michelle Connor, Citrus 

Christine Bang, Sr., Citrus Knows how to play the short game; was a team player for the 'Canes in second run at state.

Lauren Bomke, So., Citrus Consistent iron play and good drives helped her finish 49th at Class A state meet.

Ashton Connor, So., Citrus A consistent golfer who doesn't do anything risky to get her in trouble.

Jordan Connor, Jr., Citrus Great at chipping and putting and averaged 45 on nine holes to help the 'Canes at state.

Lauren Shuford, Fr., Hernando Easily won the Hernando County meet and shot 92 at districts to advance to regionals.

Boys golfer of the year: Bobby Bang, Citrus

With a trip to state resting on his shoulders, Bobby Bang faced the 18th hole during a Class A regional. The sophomore knew a mistake might cost Citrus. He also knew that to one-putt, he would have to hit a hard shot 45 feet out. "I was really just trying to two-putt," Bang said. But he hit the perfect line and the ball dropped. With a fist pump, Bang sealed Citrus' second straight trip to state. After graduating three seniors, the 'Canes were unsure how they would fare, especially with three freshmen, but Bang stepped up as a leader. His long drives helped keep him on track, while he worked to improve his short game in the offseason. Bang helped the 'Canes go 20-2 during the regular season, with losses only to Saddlebrook and Oak Hall. Bang took over the 'Canes' top spot with his ability to drive the ball and strong course management.

Coach of the year: Chris Richardson, Citrus

Tommy Bastien, Jr., Central Won the HCAC tournament and shot 77 at districts.

Nick Brothers, Jr., Citrus Came back late in the season to lead the 'Canes to a 14th-place team finish at Class A state meet.

Ryan Connors, Fr., Citrus Known for his spectacular flop shots, he helped the 'Canes go 20-2 in the regular season.

Alex Coogan, Sr., Central Steady veteran led the Bears to first district title, shooting even-par 72 at Class 2A, District 6 meet.

Zach Stanley, Fr., Citrus Strong putter shot 77 at districts, helped the 'Canes reach state.

Male Honorable Mention

Central Ryan Osborn, Cody Grey, Dante Galati

Citrus Austin Connors

Crystal River Mike Sanchez, Randy Hodges

Lecanto Phillip Saltsman

Hernando Christian Derek Martin

Hernando Derek Pebler

Nature Coast Mike King, Derrick Reardon

Springstead David Roebuck, Gabby Martinez, Kevin Hubbard

Female Honorable Mention

Crystal River Andrea Adams, Caitlin Camp

Lecanto Carla Savage, Karina Kronsis

Hernando Megan Gillis

Nature Coast Katie Munsey

Springstead Julia Stewart

Girls golfer of the year: Briana Carlson

Briana Carlson loves golf, but her dedication sets her apart from her peers. Six or seven days a week she is on the course. Only a sophomore, Carlson, Citrus' No. 1 golfer, proved her worth last season and caught fire this year. She can crush the ball, typically around 250 yards. The farthest: 285. She led the 'Canes to their second straight appearance at the Class A state meet; Citrus finished 12th overall. Individually, she tied with four others to finish 23rd, shooting 79-79-158. She shot her lifetime low round (71) at the Citrus County meet. Since last season, she has dropped several strokes. Carlson shortened her swing and made it quicker to improve her short game. Carlson also worked on consistency. Despite all that she has accomplished, her biggest goal for next season is "more practice and more hard work."

[Last modified December 27, 2006, 06:20:34]