Providence High’s Colin Salema headlines 2023 All-Observer boys golf team

Providence junior Colin Salema, the N.C. 4A state runner-up, is The Charlotte Observer’s boys high school golfer of the year.

Salema shot 4-under-par over two days in the state finals on May 14-15 at Pinehurst No. 8. He finished tied for the lead after regulation but lost to Apex freshman Daniel McBrien on the second sudden death playoff hole.

A Clemson commit, Salema also shot a 71 to tie for fourth at the 4A West Regional the previous week.

Salema had one of the best rounds of the season when he carded a 28 on nine holes at Myers Park Country Club, with two eagles and four birdies in his round, Feb. 28.

Charlotte Latin’s Chris Berger is the Observer boys golf coach of the year after leading the Hawks’ to their first N.C. Independent Schools golf championship since 1994.

Charlotte Latin shot a team score of 292 (4-over par) to win the state title by six shots against Durham Academy at Bryan Park Golf Club in Greensboro.

Berger has also been the Charlotte Latin boys basketball coach for the past 15 years and led the Hawks to the NCISAA state championship game three years ago.

All-Observer boys golf

FIRST TEAM

Seamus Bogan, Gaston Day, Jr.: The 2022 NCISAA 2A state champion shot a 5-under-par 67 to finish as NCISAA Division III state runner-up while leading Gaston Day boys golf team to a second straight state title this season.

Jude Carper, Hough, So.: The Huskies’ sophomore tied for fourth at the 4A West Regional, and tied for fourth at the 4A state championships, where he shot 1-over 145 over two-days (73-72).

Aston Lee, Charlotte Latin, Fr.: The NCISAA Division I state champion shot a 69 to win. He also tied for fourth during the previous week at the state qualifier with an even-par 72.

Collin Salema, Providence, Jr.: The Clemson commit, a Panthers’ junior, was 4A state runner-up after shooting 4-under-par (69-71). He shot a 71 to tie fourth at the 4A West Regional.

Davis Sayman, Charlotte Latin, Sr.: The Davidson signee, a senior, shot 73 to tie for sixth-place and earn all-state honors at the NCISAA Division I state championships. He tied for 16th (77) at the state qualifier.

Eli Schmidly, Myers Park, Sr.: The Charlotte 49ers commit, a Mustangs’ senior, won the SoMeck 4A conference title shooting a 70. He shot 76 to finish 13th overall at the 4A West Regional and posted a 146 (72-74) to tie for sixth-place at the 4A state championships.

Jack Wieler, Marvin Ridge, Jr.: The Elon signee, a Mavericks’ senior, shot 1-over-par 145 (72-73) over two days to tie for fourth at the 4A state championships. He also finished tied for fifth at the 4A Midwest Regional with an even par 72.

Rich Wills, Stuart Cramer, Jr.: The Storm junior tied for 3A Midwest Regional runner-up honors, shooting a 70. He also posted a two-day score of 150 to finish 10th at the 3A state championship.

SECOND TEAM

Cooper Burris, Northwest Cabarrus, Jr.: The Trojans’ junior was the 3A Midwest Regional champion, shooting 70. He tied for sixth place at the state finals, shooting a two-day total of 148 (73-75).

Will Hartman, Charlotte Catholic, So.: The 2022 N.C. 4A state champion shot a 73 to finish eighth at the 4A West Regional. He tied for 18th at the 4A state championships with back-to-back 75s. He also won the North State High School Challenge in Salisbury.

Jack LaPiana, Providence Day, Sr.: The Richmond commit, a senior, shot a 74 to tie for 10th at the NCISAA Division I state championships. LaPiana, who earned all-state honors, also tied for ninth at the state qualifier.

Matthew McDougall, Cuthbertson, Sr.: The Cavaliers’ senior shot a 69 to finish third at the at the 4A Midwest Regional. He also shot a two-day total of 148 (74-74) to tie for 12th at the 4A state championship.

Michael Switzer, Ardrey Kell, So.: The Knights’ junior shot a 71 to tie for fourth at the 4A West Regional. He also shot 74-75 at the 4A state championships to finish tied for 16th overall.

Robert Thompson, Myers Park, Sr.: The Hillsdale (Michigan) College commit, a Mustangs’ senior, shot back-to-back 74s to tie for 12th at the 4A state championship. He shot a 4-under-par 68 to earn co-medalist honors at the 4A West Regional.

Drew Yeagley, Marvin Ridge, So.: The Mavericks’ sophomore shot a 2-under-par 70, to tie for fourth-place at the 4A Midwest Regional. He also posted a two-day total of 150 (73-77) to tie for 18th at the 4A state championships.

HONORABLE MENTION

Cornell Beans, Charlotte Catholic, Jr.; Benjamin Chase, Ardrey Kell, Jr.; Ethan Cooper Hayes, East Gaston, Jr.; Ryan Curran, Marvin Ridge, Jr.; Collin Goulet, Gaston Day, Sr.; Luke Guthrie, Charlotte Catholic, Sr.; Will Guthrie, Charlotte Catholic, So.; Talan Harrison, Northwest Cabarrus, So.; Henry Holland, Charlotte Latin, Fr.; Will Lassiter, Weddington, Sr.; Jonathan Jones, Lincoln Charter, Jr.; Cooper Mizelle, Pine Lake Prep, Jr.; Aiden Penhall, Pine Lake Prep, Fr.; D’Yanni Rhyne, Lincoln Charter, Sr.; Oliver Tobin, Charlotte Christian, Jr.; Aidan Vargosko, Stuart Cramer, So.

This story was originally published June 7, 2023 at 6:30 AM.