Ponte Vedra’s Brock Blais shines in final season for Sharks
JACKSONVILLE, Florida. – Tradition.
The Ponte Vedra boys’ golf team has built a significant amount of these in a short period of time. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down, he’s only getting stronger.
Brock Blais, the All-News4JAX Male Golfer of the Year, has been a major part of that continuing tradition for the Sharks.
“The last two years with Brock in our roster have been just great,” said Ponte Vedra coach Mickey Leapley. “His charisma and the way he carries himself has definitely helped our team and spread to other teammates in a good way.”
Blais not only helped the Sharks win their state-record eighth tag team championship and sixth in a row, but added an individual title to his resume with a five-hole playoff win over Chase Carroll of Middleburg. Blais was 1 under 143 through both rounds and edged Carroll for the title.
He is the 19th male golfer from the region to win an individual state championship and the third to do so since Ponte Vedra High.
On a schedule that hasn’t lasted for years (Ponte Vedra opened in 2008), it has become Florida’s preeminent team in terms of men’s golf. His teammate Carson Brewer took home MVP honors last year and Blais continued that momentum this season.
UTSA signer and Florida Dairy Farmers winner Mr. Golf was one of the Ponte Vedra team captains and one of six seniors on the team. As Blais graduates, tradition will not.
“Has always been there to volunteer to play with the younger kids and support them on and off the course. A special kind of guy,” Leapley said. “I will miss him but I can’t wait to see him play at UTSA.”
All news4JAX Boys Golf TeamFirst Team
Golfer, School, Class
Brock Blais, Ponte Vedra, Sr.
All-News4JAX Golfer of the Year. Individual state champion with rounds of 74-69, then a playoff winner against Chase Carroll of Middleburg. T-3 in District Tournament and Individual Region Champion.
Chase Carroll, Middleburg, Sr.
State vice-champion at Blais de Ponte Vedra. At 71-72 in the 2A tournament. Won the District Tournament 2-2A by four strokes with a 71.
Jackson Klauk, Nease, Sr.
T-2 finished in Class 3A condition meets 1-under 71; T-4 in the area with a 70. District tri-medalist with a 70 and helped lead the Panthers to the District 3-3A crown.
Tyler Mawhinney, Fleming Island, p.
Went T-7 in Class 3A State Tournament with a 1 of 73. Area champion with a 68 and led the Golden Eagles to the tag team title there. T-6 to the district with a 74.
Camden Smith, Ponte Vedra, Sr.
Finished 79-73 for a 152 and a T-13 in a Class 2A State meet. 3-2A district champion with a 69 and a 70 card in the area to help push the Sharks to a 12-stroke win over Bishop Kenny there.
second team
Golfer, School, Class, Notable
Carson Brewer, Ponte Vedra, Sr.: Went 76-73 for 5 of 149 for 9th in the 2A State Tournament. Finished T-2 in area with 2 under 70. Carded 5 of 77 for 10th in district.
Nolan Harper, Beachside, Jr.: Finished T-5 in the Class 2A State Tournament with a 68-79 (3 of 147). Went T-2 to area with 2-under 70.
Henry Robards, Episcopal, Jr.: 71-71 for T2 at state. Finished T-2 in the district with a 72 and earned regional medalist honors with a 70.
Brody Stevenson, Bartram Trail, Sr.: Finished T-7 with 1 of 73 in Class 3A state competition. Took 8th regionally with a 71. District tri-medalist with a 70.
Colton Swartz, Fleming Island, Sr.: Did the T-7 in the 3A state meet a 1 in 73. T-3 in the area with a 70.
Honorable mention
Golfer, School, Class
Carter Abitabilo, Tocoi Creek, Jr.
Luke Balaskiewicz, Bolles, So.
Camden Goldknopf, Episcopal, Jr.
Connor Hess, Episcopal, Jr.
Ryan Houck, Fleming Island, p.
Stefan Ink, Ponte Vedra, Sr.
Emmet Kuhlenkamp, Fleming Island, So.
Alex Lymus, Stanton, Sr.
Tanner Millar, Fernandina Beach, Jr.
Andrew Morgan, Bolles, Sr.
Jonas National, Beachside, P.
Noah Reynolds, Fernandina Beach, father
Jackson Runquist, Fletcher, P.
Miles Russell, Providence, 8th
Rohan Singh, Ponte Vedra, Sr.
Cody Tucker, Bishop Kenny, Sr.
Connor Williams, Columbia, Jr.
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