The Reed boys golf team does not have much history of success.
In Northern Nevada, Bishop Manogue, Galena, Reno and McQueen share that honor instead. The Raiders are trying to change that.
After failing to win a High Desert League tournament in over six years, Reed has claimed all three this year (at Somersett, Washoe and Sierra Sage). With last week’s win at Sierra Sage, the Raiders secured at least a share of the league title and locked up one of eight spots in the regional tournament.
“Having success is something that were not used to,” Reed coach Nick Nemsgern admitted. “But at the same time, the team that we’ve built and that has grown into who we have now, it’s not surprising that their individually having success.”
So where did this come from? How is Reed suddenly closing in on a HDL title?
For Nemsgern, it starts with seniors Nate Daylo and Jayce Robinson—both of whom qualified for state as juniors. Daylo finished in a tie for 17th and Robinson finished 38th in the 52-golfer field.
“I have a bunch of range rats,” Nemsgern said. “Throughout the last three years, they (Daylo and Robinson) have put in so much time.
“When you get the leadership like that and the rest of the team sees that the two best players on the team are working the hardest, it makes my job a lot easier. It’s completely contagious.”
Robinson is averaging a score of 79.6 in the three league tournaments this year. Daylo is averaging an 86.6.
Reed can secure the HDL title on Wednesday with a win at Hidden Valley Country Club, its home course. Goals this season, however, are loftier than a regular-season accomplishment.
Nemsgern is already looking to the two-day regional tournament May 9-10. The first day of the tournament is at ArrowCreek, the second is at Somersett. Reed finished seventh at the regional tournament last year—100 strokes back of regional champ, Bishop Manogue.
“The truth is, we’re looking at regionals,” he said. “This year, we’re really looking to say ‘alright, if we keep growing and keep getting better, then when regionals come around, can we play consistent golf? Can we post a couple numbers and maybe have a shot at a team (title)?’”
In order to win a regional title, Reed would have to get past, most notably, Galena, which will enter as a big favorite.
The Grizzlies are closing in on a Sierra League title and they’re doing it in impressive fashion. Five of their players average rounds in the 70s. To put that in perspective, not a single player in the entire HDL field broke 80 in last week’s tournament at Sierra Sage. A sub-80 has only been posted three times all season by HDL golfers—twice by a Raider.
“They (Grizzlies) are ridiculous,” Nemsgern said. “Even on our best day, with all five guys going career low, we can’t compete with that.”
What the Raiders can compete for, is a second-place finish, which would secure a team berth to the state tournament.
“Maybe there’s a chance for the five us to post some numbers and sneak in there as the second team at state,” Reed’s coach said.
If a top-two finish isn’t in the works, Reed still has a legitimate shot at sending four golfers to state. Along with Robinson and Daylo, junior Cade Baker and sophomore Brandon Foreman also have realistic aspirations.
Baker is averaging an 84.3 in the three HDL tournaments this spring, Forman is averaging an 83.3.
Before regionals, Reed has a chance to sweep the HDL circuit with the tourney at Hidden Valley on Wednesday then at Red Hawk (April 26) and Wildcreek (May 4).
“Even though it is irregular for Reed to win these tournaments, were not trying to focus on it,” Nemsgern said. “We’re really just trying to look ahead to the end of the season.”
Leave a Reply