Maine South gets boost from freshmen Michael George and Joe Tonioni

WHEELING — For the Maine South boys golf team, confidence is running high.

That’s thanks largely to the play of the Hawks’ Nos. 3-5 golfers, two of whom are freshmen. Before the season started, coach Steve Scholl said that golfers performing well in those spots would be huge for the Hawks.

And they performed quite well over the weekend.

Thomas Janowski, Michael George and Joe Tonioni shot a 79, 82 and 84, respectively, on Saturday at the Wheeling Wildcat Invite at the Traditions at Chevy Chase Golf Course. They helped the Hawks secure 13th place out of 25 teams.

“Today went well,” Scholl said. “We played well as a team.”

Maine South shot 323 on the day. Janowski, the Hawks’ No. 3 golfer, led them, finishing 7-over par. Jankowski said he thought he was a little spotty from 150 yards out, but he did sink a few birdies on the day.

“I haven’t been playing too hot lately, but today it came together,” Janowski said. “I like the way we’re trending.”

Like Scholl, Janowski also cited the play of two freshmen, George and Tonioni, as part of the reason for the trend.

George said he was happy with how he’s been playing. His putting game has been sharp all year. On Saturday he drove the ball well, too, and he said that’s an area of his game he hopes to keep improving.

George stressed that consistency will be key for his team moving forward.

“We’re starting to play better and better,” he said.

Scholl noted that his top two golfers struggled a little bit Saturday, but he said he’s not worried about their performances.

The Hawks’ No. 1 golfer, Anthony Celiano, finished with an 81. He shot a 41 on the front nine and a 40 on the back nine. And Tim Zelek, Maine South’s No. 2 golfer, did the opposite of Celiano, carding a 40 on the front nine and a 41 on the back nine for an 81.

“They’ll play better down the stretch,” Scholl said. “The freshmen came on board and they should add some consistency for us. Maybe just enough to compete as a team at regionals.”