Apopka boys golf closes season at district tournament 

Apopka boys golf competed Monday Oct. 26 at Wekiva Golf Club against 10 other schools in the FHSAA Class 3A District 4 tournament. Coach Christian Lundy said the Blue Darters’ season has ended. 

The Blue Darters finished 11-2 in head-to-head and tri-match play. The top two teams and top two individuals not on those teams automatically qualify for regionals. Additional at-large berths are awarded using combined regular-season and district ratings. 

Lake Mary controlled the tournament from start to finish, shooting 3 under par through the front nine then ultimately claiming first place. Apopka opened strong, sitting third after the front nine with a team score of 11 over par. 

Sophomore Owen Ancona led the way early for the Blue Darters, playing even par through his first eight holes before finishing the front nine at 1 over par. 

Senior Isaiah Smith also put together a strong front nine, shooting 2 over par with a birdie on the seventh hole. 

Junior Paul Ancona finished as Apopka’s top individual golfer, carding an 80 to tie for 12th overall. He chipped in a birdie on the 16th hole to highlight his round. Isaiah Smith finished with an 84, tying for 19th. 

The team’s five golfers – Owen Ancona, Paul Ancona, Isaiah Smith, Jordan Smith and Kyler Ransom – competed in groups alongside golfers from Seminole, Lake Howell and Hagerty. 

Apopka finished sixth overall with a team score of 336. 

Lundy praised the team’s effort and sportsmanship throughout the season. 

“While the season didn’t end the way we wanted it to, I just wanted to say that I am extremely proud of everyone this whole season,” Lundy said. “More important than the quality of golfer that everyone is, was the sportsmanship that everyone exhibited. Keep playing, keep improving and keep growing.” 

Paul Ancona led the team in scoring average relative to par over his best six rounds, while senior Kyler Ransom played in all 19 rounds for the Blue Darters this season. 

Lundy also recognized his three seniors — Isaiah Smith, Ransom and Devon Brown — for their sportsmanship and professionalism throughout the year. 

“They made it extremely easy to come in and coach,” Lundy said. 

Lundy will also take on a new role at Apopka. He was recently hired as the Blue Darters’ girls soccer head coach, taking over a team that includes several players he coached at younger ages. 

Lundy said he is excited for the opportunity to continue working with familiar faces and lead the program into its next chapter.