Preps

Mitchell's Cavender continues to regions

By Brandon Wright
Published October 16, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Douglas R. Clifford | Times] Mitchell's Kenny Cavender, watching a putt on No. 4, shot 78 to advance -- the only area player to move on from the district.

TARPON SPRINGS - Mitchell's Kenny Cavender hadn't played Wentworth much before Monday, making his round at the Class 2A, District 12 tournament tricky.

"Any time you don't know a course well, it's a struggle," he said.

And while Cavender did struggle through a rough stretch, the junior recovered to shoot 78 and advance to next week's region tournament as an individual at Trinity's Fox Hollow.

And the change in venue will be a welcome one.

"I left a lot of shots out there today," he said. "I pretty much play (Fox Hollow) every day, and I think that'll be an advantage."

Cavender, who advanced to regions last season, carded a triple bogey, double bogey and bogey on holes 11-13. Despite the stretch, Cavender managed to right his game and advance in a deep field.

"All it takes is one good shot to get out of any funk, at least that's how it is for me," he said. "You just got to stay positive."

Ridgewood, Mitchell and River Ridge all finished at 351 to lead the Pasco teams, but none advanced to regions. Rams' Jordan Padova (79) and Royal Knights' Keil Jackson (82) led their respective teams.

Pinellas teams ruled the day at Wentworth.

Palm Harbor University junior Zach Sobel shot 74 to take the title. Dunedin, which went undefeated in the conference, carded 312 to win the team event by 11 strokes.

Sobel said his confidence didn't waver after a slow start, mostly because of his familiarity with Wentworth - he used to live in the community.

"I know (the course) like the back of my hand," Sobel said.

PHU (323) and East Lake (326) both advanced.

[Last modified October 15, 2007, 21:39:14]