Jaguar golf team shows promise on the links

BY MIKE WHITE
Staff Writer

JACKSON - Roger Cooney shot a career-low score of 37 for nine holes last week as the Jackson High School golf team knocked off both Monsignor Donovan and Toms River East in a tri-meet at Bey Lea Golf Course.

Cooney, playing in the No. 4 slot, had the low score of the day. His 37 included a birdie on the par-5 second hole.

"He had a great afternoon," said first-year head coach Drew Gibson, whose team is off to a 6-9 start. "He was real consistent off the tee and in the fairways. He has always been a pretty solid putter. On this day, he put his entire game together. We need him to continue to play at that level."

Jackson defeated Mon Don 162-169, and Toms River East 162-168.

"It was a nice afternoon to sweep both," Gibson said. "Both matches were very close, but we managed to come through. The kids are playing pretty well at this point in the season. There is always room for improvement."

Senior Matt Patton has been Jackson's most consistent golfer this season. Playing from the No. 1 slot, Patton is averaging 41 for nine holes. In fact, Patton has qualified for the state tournament, which is scheduled for May 15.

"He's been our top player," Gibson said. "He is not a big hitter, but he doesn't make a lot of mistakes. He keeps the ball in play and is very good around the green. That is the key to his game. If he can stay out of trouble, he usually shoots a very good score."

Gibson has been impressed with the play of juniors Steve Kezel and Mike Shin. Matt Miranda plays the No. 5 spot for the Jaguars.

"Both Shin and Kezel are juniors and have shown a lot of promise," Gibson said. "They're getting a lot of good experience this season. They're playing well and just need to work on their consistency. They will give us something to build on next year."

Jax baseball eight games

over .500

The Jackson High School baseball team got outstanding pitching performances from both Carl Stockert and Kevin Needham as the Jags rolled to a 6-1 win over Pope John XXIII.

Each pitcher went three innings as Jackson improved to 13-5 overall. Stockert, who closed the night before in a win over Toms River East, started and allowed just one run. Stockert, who has done an outstanding job this season, didn't figure in the decision.

Stockert has an ERA of 1.12.

"He's been great," Jackson coach Frank Malta said. "He has great command and has come through for us on many occasions."

Needham, a sophomore, finished the game, throwing three scoreless innings. He improves to 3-0 on the season. He scattered two hits and no walks.

"This kid throws strikes," Malta said. "He has a good fastball and can mix speeds effectively."

Offensively, the Jags were paced by catcher Billy Lee and Ryan Guarino. Lee had a two-run single early in the game, and Guarino drove in a run during the later innings, Malta said.

"Both guys come up with big hit after big hit," Malta said. "Those are the two guys we want up there in a pressure situation."