DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
McAllen Memorial’s boys golf team is enjoying a perfect storm that could take it to the Class 6A state tournament next month.
The Mustangs have experience and budding underclassmen, making for a balanced team that has been one of the Rio Grande Valley’s best during the early part of the season.
Led by senior Carlos Reyes, the Mustangs finished second at the Class 6A pre-regional and Border Olympics tournaments, and fourth at the Sharyland ISD and Edinburg ISD Invitationals.
But as deep as the Mustangs are, it begins with Reyes, who is third among RGV boys golfers with a 75 scoring average.
“Whenever he gets out on the golf course, he just wants to beat people,” Mustangs coach Celso Gonzales said. “He doesn’t want to lose. He’s going to do everything in his power to beat you, and that’s his gratification. He’s come a long way, his work ethic has come a long way, and he really understands he’s our leader.”
Reyes’ strength is his accuracy, and Gonzales said his confidence in his swing has grown. But Reyes is also a one-of-a-kind player. He didn’t start playing golf until his freshman year, when he shot over 100 in his first tournament.
“Between now and then, with how far he’s come, he’s a natural talent,” Gonzales said. “It’s his desire to get better.”
Reyes is buttressed by veterans Trevor Kucia and Ross Gonzales, Celso’s son, and a couple of precocious sophomores in C.W. Phillips, a transfer from Sharyland, and Colton Henderson.
Gonzales likens Phillips to Reyes in regard to commitment to the game, and Henderson joined the team in place of the No. 4 golfer on the trip to the Border Olympics last weekend and shot a two-day score of 170.
“This group is starting to gel, they know their roles,” Gonzales said. “They all can do their part. The hard work and the desire to win is huge. If we shoot what we’re capable of shooting, we can go to state. When you have that vision, and someone like Carlos to lead it … I’m grateful.”
SIBLING RIVALRY
Junior Leah Lerma was already a talented golfer. But this season, Mission High coach Danny Castillo said he’s seen an extra push in Lerma’s game.
That motivation is freshman Mia Lerma, Leah’s younger sister.
“It’s a sister competition and it’s pushing Leah and making her better,” Castillo said. “She’s working harder. She’s showing better course management.”
Leah — a long, accurate drive-hitter who boasts an 82 average — is Castillo’s No. 1 golfer, but it’s Mia who has the better average (81).
“Mia’s a tough athlete,” Castillo said. “She plays volleyball, plays softball and she’s my No. 2 girl. She even has a better average than Mia, but Leah’s got the experience and is the veteran. Mia’s got a long swing arc that really propels the driver. She’s small, but she gets great distance, and that’s key. Her short game is lacking at the moment, but once she gets that she’s going to be really special.”
Castillo has been the golf coach at Mission for 29 years, and this year’s team is one of his finest. As a team, the Eagles have improved their average by almost 100 strokes from last season, shooting a 370 this year compared to 460 last year.
“These girls are the anchors,” Castillo said of the Lermas. “The team sees Leah and Mia and how they work and it only influences them to go out and work just as hard to get better.”
ON THE HORIZON
RGV golf teams will participate this weekend in the Mercedes tournament at Llano Grande Golf Course.
March 11-12 begins pre-district invitationals, starting with District 32-6A. District 32-5A is March 22, followed by 30-6A and 31-6A on March 24 and 31-5A on March 28.