The Mariner High boys’ golf team has seen its scores drop significantly since the start of the season. They shot 174 in the first match and had 153 in their latest match last week against Estero and Dunbar.

Leading the way for the Tritons is senior Grant Burgess, the most experienced player in the lineup.

The Daily Breeze Athlete of the Week has lowered his scores throughout the campaign and is coming off a strong performance last week, posting back-to-back 38s in two matches.

“He’s our No. 1,” Tritons’ coach James Harris said. “He’s battle tested and he never seems to get rattled,”

The composed Burgess is in his fourth season. He had a strong sophomore season and as a junior, advanced to regionals individually, along with teammate Connor Arendell, who now plays at the University of Louisville.

Though Arendell graduated, Burgess has helped lead a balanced squad this season.

“We actually have six people that can shoot in the 30s,” Burgess said. “We want to break 150 (as a team) that’s our goal.”

In addition to high school golf, Burgess competed in several tournaments over the summer. He placed fourth in a strong field at the Nolan Henke/Patty Berg Junior Masters.

Burgess has been playing the game since age 4, learned from his father, Bob, a former Club Pro in the area.

For the Tritons, Burgess has his sights set on a return trip to regionals and perhaps his first state appearance.

“I’m coming around now and starting to play better,” he said,

Burgess also hopes to get a scholarship to continue his career in college, probably at a Division II school. He’s considering studying pharmacy or sports medicine.

The Tritons host the North of the River Tournament Thursday at Coral Oaks.



Honorable mentions:



Brooke Albert, senior, Mariner volleyball: Albert posted a single-match school record of 26 digs in the Tritons’ 25-20, 25-12, 25-23 win over North Fort Myers.



Jessie Betts, junior, Ida Baker cross country: Betts led the Bulldogs to a third-place finish in a meet at Key West last Saturday.