PLATTE CITY – In a unique season without a single senior, the Platte County boys’ golf team will lean on a junior heavy class.
Platte County junior Ben Gillilan watches his drive in his sophomore season in 2023.
Having to replace the Pirates’ only 2023 Class 4 State qualifier, Parker Amos, three of the four returners are juniors. Ben Gillilan, Josh Knickman and Josh Gentilia are going to be the center pieces this spring.
“We expect to be as competitive as possible at every event and just keep improving from yesterday,” Platte County head boys’ golf coach Trevor Short said. “We have the potential to do great things and will keep pushing forward to keep getting better.”
Braden Hendee is one of six sophomores on the roster and the fourth returning Platte County varsity golfer. Without any seniors, Brody Harmon, Evan Sedlacek, Meritt Bigus, Brogan Miller and Donavan Royer fill out the class of eight juniors.
“The three juniors have had a lot of playing time since last season and will be back at it after putting in the work this offseason. It wasn’t uncommon to see our guys out at Junior Tournaments this summer or at the golf course since last season ended. They’re hungry and motivated to see what they can do,” Short said.
Earning second place in the Kansas City Suburban Conference White Division a year ago, the Pirates will hope to build off that with some younger players stepping up. They have five freshmen to make up a large set of 13 underclassmen.
“We have a lot of new players on the team this season with a total of 19 players after cuts were made. There is a good balance of grade levels, except no seniors. There are a few new players that will most likely be in the rotation this year,” Short said.