State qualifying is getting heating up and teams and golfers are beginning to hit their stride heading into the final weeks. That was the case Monday when Tucson Catalina Foothills shot a 143 at Del Urich to get past Tucson Rincon/University (146) and Marana (150).

It was one of the most competitive matches to date thanks in part to a three-way tie between Catalina Foothills junior Gavin Cohen, Rincon freshman Dallan Graybill and Marana senior John Fiore. Each shot a 1-under 34.

Fiore is a transfer student from Lakeside Blue Ridge where he helped lead the Yellow Jackets to a fourth place finish last spring in Division III. Fiore is now competing in D-II with teams such as Tucson Salpointe, Tucson Sabino and Catalina Foothills but he feels everything abut the move has improved his game.

"I have more time for golf and playing my own game has helped me compete," Fiore explained. "I really can't complain, the season has been really good so far."

Fiore feels putting will be the key to getting even lower scores. "I was 3-under after the first three holes but then I bogied the last two holes," Fiore added. "I struggled with my putting but it will get better."

Graybill is the younger brother of former Rincon standout Logan Graybill. The brothers were regulars on the junior circuit together but they missed playing high school with each other by one year.

Like Fiore, Graybill has identified what may be keeping him back from consistently posting low scores.

"It's my mental game," Graybill offered. "Staying cool is what I need to do. Today I went out there and had fun with the guys I was playing with."

While his brother only played one year of high school golf, Graybill is starting out as a freshman and he likes what he has seen about the atmosphere so far.

"The generosity and attitude between teams and coaches is amazing," he added. "It seems everyone is looking out for everybody. If a coach from another teams sees you are struggling or may be thirsty they help you out. It's a great organization."

Cohen is a University of Arizona commit who will be one of the top contenders at the D-II state tournament that will be held at his home course of Randolph North in November. He finished in third place last year as did his team but he likes his team's chances this year.

"We have developed much better depth as the season has gone on," Cohen explained. "It seems a different golfer steps up each match to help make a difference."

Cohen feels he needs to be more consistent but is very optimistic.

"I have been up and down this year but I'm really excited about our chances. We are doing really well."

Rincon senior Cooper Bradford won the Marana Mountain View Invitational on Sept. 19 at the Crooked Tree Golf Course. He shot a 1-over 73 to defeat Sabino standout Austin Rustand by one stroke.

The Santa Rita/Flowing Wells Tournament of Champions will take place this coming weekend at the Silverbell Golf Course in Tucson. 18 school are scheduled to particiapte.

 

Catalina Foothills (143)

Gavin Cohen 34

Jake Goode 38

Tyler Blohm 36

Reece Nilsen 37

Ty Goode 36

 

Rincon/UHS (146)

Cooper Bradford 38

Ryan Draper 39

Forrest Green 35

Brian Guerrero 40

Dallan Graybill 34

 

Marana (150)

John Fiore 34

Dylan Tedford 41

Sean Moreno 37

Jacob Davis 38

Bobby Mohajeri 46