Torres tears it up

Noel “Neil” Torres, a Waimea High School golf standout, continued his torrid pace at Kaua‘i Junior Golf Association’s first tournament this season. The older juniors played the Mokihana Course on Sunday March 20, (13-18 year olds) and the younger juniors played the Mokihana Course on Saturday March 26 (12 & Under).

Torres led the boys 15-18 championship charge with a 75 from the blue tees.

He was followed by Kaua‘i High School’s Nikko Tacsiat with a 76.

Fellow Red Raider Stephen Peeren shot a 78 for third-place, Mike Garcia (79), Jet Levinthol (80), and Travis Toguchi (81) rounded out the field.

Waimea’s Grant Paiste won the boys 14-18 “A” flight with a 77. Wiley Yoshioka (80), Micah Yoshioka (88), and Bubby Saiki (88) took the remaining spots.

In match play, Kaua‘i High School’s Shelcie Takenouchi ousted teammate Terra Bell, 1-up.

Troy Jacinto topped the field in the boys medal play tournament for the boys “A” flight with an 82.

Malia Saiki (91), Ryan Wong (93), Hoku Costa (98), Kyle Furusho (100), and Kelan Adachi (116) all made the top six.

Trevor Kua nailed down the first-place slot with a 52 in the 10-and-under championship. Mariah Paiste finished in second-place with a 60.

In a close race, Janin Hashizume grabbed the top score of 71 to win the 10-and-under “A” Flight contest.

Kawena Warren (73), Joni Hashizume (77), Alanna Bauman (77), and Angelica Valencia (78) all placed in the top five.

Justin Uegawa climbed into first-place with an 83 in the 12-and-under championship. Kyle Groves (94) and La‘akea Warren (99) finished third and fourth.

The 12-and-under “A” flight saw Tyler Costa on top with a 93.

He was followed by Reyn Morioka (98), Dylan Balisacan (101), and Kai Adachi (104).

Darren Valencia (104) beat out Kaiton Sawada (121) for the 12-and-under “A” flight title.