By DAVE DEVEREUX, “mailto:ddevereux@breezenewspapers.com”>ddevereux@breezenewspapers.com

It’s an important stretch for the Ida Baker boys’ golf team. The Bulldogs got off to a 7-0 start this season, but have played four matches in four days this week.

As the team continues to test itself against the area’s best, they’ll be counting on leadership from senior Todd Mallorey.

The Daily Breeze Athlete of the Week has anchored the Bulldogs so far, after losing four key seniors in Casey Swink, Michael Newborn, Kullee Dimas and David Orlando from last year.

Mallorey took medalist honors with a 40 in the Bulldogs’ wins over North Fort Myers and Lehigh last week, and has played consistently over the span of several matches, including scores of 41 and 40 in wins over Cape Coral and Mariner, respectively.

“He’s the leader of our team,” Bulldogs coach Scott Conforte said. “He’s capable of shooting in the 30s.“

Mallorey, who first learned the game from his father, has shown steady improvements in his three seasons competing for the Bulldogs.

Among his primary strengths as a taller player is his ability to drive the ball far, but his accuracy has improved significantly this season.

Individually, he noted his goal for this season is to qualify for the regional playoffs.

The relatively young team is coming together and hoping to make a run at regionals.

Mallorey is joined by juniors Cody Byers and Ryan Gallick, and sophomore Michael Faulkner. Junior Miko Dougherty, a member of the girls’ team last year, is competing on the boys’ team this year since there weren’t enough girls coming out for a full team.

“We’ve been working well together as a team,” Mallorey said. “We’re getting better.”



Honorable mentions:



Kayla Ramey, senior, North Fort Myers volleyball: Ramey turned in an all-around effort in a victory over Lehigh with nine aces, seven kills and seven digs.



Deonnah Findley, junior, Ida Baker volleyball: Findley recorded 23 assists in the Bulldogs’ win over Cape Coral, and tallied 13 assists and six blocks in a loss to Gulf Coast.