With LCAC and district play right around the corner, Mariner, Ida Baker, Cape Coral, North Fort Myers and Island Coast got a better sense of where they are in Thursday’s North of the River golf tournament at Coral Oaks Golf Course.

Tournament host Mariner continued its season-long theme of improving with each match. The Tritons posted a combined score of 151 to claim the title, while Ida Baker placed second with 166.

“We just keep improving,” Tritons coach James Harris said. “That’s the idea to get better each time out.”

It’s the first year the schools participated in the event. It’s expected to rotate between home courses in the future.

Former Mariner coach Marty Waters, who planned the event initially, handed out the first-place trophy to the Tritons. They were led by junior C.J. Cricco, who took medalist honors after firing a 1-under 35.

It was an eventful nine holes for Cricco, who made double bogey on his first hole (No. 2), then added a bogey to drop to 3 over. He recovered and made up four strokes over the final seven holes. His finishing stretch included two birdies and a chip-in eagle.

It is the best score turned in by a Triton player this season.

“I didn’t have high hopes at the start, but I was able to turn it around,” Cricco said.

Senior Grant Burgess contributed to the winning effort with a 37. Burgess played in the No. 1 foursome with Baker’s Todd Mallorey, Cape’s H. Halverson and North’s Greg Crowell.

Mallorey and Halverson shot identical 38s. Mallorey made birdies at Nos. 1 and 5.

Halverson landed his tee shot within eight feet on the par-4 fifth hole. He missed an eagle putt, but tapped in for birdie.

Halverson, a senior, led the Seahawks to a team score of 185, tying them for third with North.

Island Coast, in its first varsity season, competed but did not have enough players to qualify in the team standings.

The event serves as a tune-up for the final portion of the season. The LCAC Tournament is Monday at Plantation.

Mariner has made the biggest improvement from the start of the season, going from scores in the 160-170 range to Thursday’s 151.

All six Tritons shot 41 or lower. Braden Junkins added a 39, followed by Kyle Schulte (40), Spenser McKee (40) and Dean Hofer (41).

Despite finishing second, Baker coach Scott Conforte said he expected his team to perform better. Michael Faulkner and Miko Dougherty each shot 42 with Ryan Gallick and Cody Byers carding 44s.

“We played average, that’s about our average score,” Conforte said. “I think our team is a little flat right now.”



Mariner (151) — C.J. Cricco 35, Grant Burgess 37, Braden Junkins 39, Dean Hofer 41.

Baker (166) — Todd Mallorey 38, Michael Faulkner 42, Ryan Gallick 44, Cody Byers 44.

Cape Coral (185) — H. Halverson 38, Tyler Trent 51, Tim McBride 51, Caleb Erdner 56.

North Fort Myers (185) — Bryant Crowell 45, Joe Caiazza 46, Greg Crowell 48, Boon Parent 48.

Island Coast (N/S) — Pat Barnes 54, Johnny Foronda 68.



At Pelican Preserve: The Vikings cruised to a 27-stroke victory over Riverdale behind a pair of 37s turned in by Wyler Gins and Dylan Hinkle.

In all, the Vikings had four scores in the 30s. Austin Lee shot 38 and Patrick Rickert 39.

The Vikings (8-1) host North next Tuesday.



Bishop Verot (151) — Wyler Gins 37, Austin Lee 38, Dylan Hinkle 37, Patrick Rickert 39.

Riverdale (178) — Mike Johnston 38, Joe Sudak 50, Tanner Nipper 45, Matt Ventriglia 45.