By Matt Phelps

Mercer Island Reporter

The Mercer Island boys golf team will not be able to compete at the state meet next spring as just one player made the cut from districts Monday.

The Islanders finished sixth overall and needed two players to make the state cut in order to officially compete as a team. It is the first time in four years the team will have less than two players at state.

“I think a lot of it had to do with experience,” said Islander head coach Tyson Peters, who does not have a senior on varsity. “We expected to have two and to only have one is disappointing.”

Mercer Island sophomore Charlie Kern finished ninth overall at districts with 75 strokes, qualifying for state.

“I am very happy with how Charlie played,” said Peters. “But everyone had a tough day.”

Islander Kyle Code was just two strokes from the cut as he finished the Harbor Point course in 83 stroke.

“This is a narrow course with a lot of hazards and our boys weren’t hitting as straight as they needed,” said Peters.

Crawford Leeds, who led the team during the league meet, finished with 86 strokes, while Kirby Ingram shot an 88.

Islanders George Jiranek (95) and Ryan Samp (97) finished well off the pace.