By Don Ketchum

After finishing second in last year’s Class 5A Division II boys golf state tournament, you might not think there would be a whole lot of improving to do for Phoenix Pinnacle’s Zach Wright.

But the junior raised his level of play in just about every aspect since last year and is poised to make another run at a title, this time with all big schools combined and even better individual competition.

“He improved a lot over the summer,’’ said Pinnacle coach Jay Thomas. “He is bigger and stronger. He continues to make solid contact and has a swing that’s pretty flawless. He has gained a lot of distance with all of his clubs and he is putting better.’’

Wright said he tried to focus most of his attention on his putting, “just keeping my eyes on the ball and following through with the putting stroke. I think I’ve also been chipping a lot better.’’

Wright’s most recent strong finish came in the inaugural National High School Golf Invitational in Maricopa, where he was one of three players to tie for second place.

During the summer, he reached the Round of 16 at a national junior event in Grand Rapids, Mich. He also participated in four Arizona Junior Golf Association events, finishing in the top 10 in three of those.

“He’s been lights-out,’’ Thomas said.

Wright first picked up a club at age 6, urged by his father.

“It just happened to be my sport and I liked it. I had won some tournaments by 9 or 10,’’ Wright said.

This is Wright’s third season working with Thomas.

“He’s pretty even-keeled,’’ Thomas said. “He’s jovial, always smiling. He’s figured out the system of how I do things. He’s been a good team leader. Everybody looks up to him.’’

Wright says he tries to lead “by playing my own game. I don’t want to let the team down.’’

If he is in contention for a tournament title, he makes things simple by slowing down his pace a bit.

“I take a little more time. I drive the fairway and hit the center of the green if I can,’’ he said. “I guess you could say I’m a bit more conservative than going right at it (flag). I think you keep yourself in it if more of the time if you do it that way.’’

He is looking forward to this year’s state tournament, which will have most of the bigger schools, regardless of whether they are Division I or II. That means last year’s 5A-I champion, Chandler Hamilton, will be among the favorites as will Phoenix Brophy Prep, defending 5A-II champ Scottsdale Chaparral, Phoenix Horizon and Pinnacle.

Wright said he carries a 3.8 grade-point average and already is looking at college programs such as Arizona State, LSU and the University of San Diego. He also hopes to join the PGA Tour some day.