South River golf team making strides Rams looking forward to next week's GMC Tournament BY WARREN RAPPLEYEA Staff Writer The youthful South River High School golf teamowns a respectable 9-11 and two of its players have qualified individually for the state tournament. Blake Adelino, a four-year veteran, and junior John Reda will both compete in the NJSIAATournament, which beginsMay 12 at the Town & Country Golf Links inWoodstown. To qualify, players must complete at least five roundswith a score of four over par or better. Adelino, who tops the team with an average of +6, has used an accurate tee shot and an effective short game to keep his scores down.Reda relies on his long tee shots to put himin position to par holes, although his short game is steadily improving, according to coach Jim Mackiewicz. Reda averages eight-over par. On the year, the Rams have defeated both Metuchen and Cardinal McCarrick twice and Spotswood once. All three are Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Blue Division foes. The Rams, who defeated Metuchen on Monday, are looking at a busy week. Tuesday. South River was set tomeet Spotswood and to hostColonia yesterday, both at Tamarack Golf Course. Mackiewicz's team is also busily preparing for the GMC Tournament, which beginsMay 15. "We're a young team, but our guys have held their own," Mackiewicz said. "Even in our losses we were able to keep our scores down and be competitive. The guys showed good poise and control on the course." Other key players include junior Billy Murphy and sophomore Carl Wallace, both regular starters. Murphy has gained confidence on the course and is averaging about nine over par, six strokes better than a year ago. He shot 43 during a match earlier in the campaign.Wallace has also made strides in his game, and his strength off the tee usually puts him in good position. Juniors Pat Zemann and Mike Witte have both displayed good course management skills, while sophomore GarrettNevin has playedwell in a fewvarsitymatches.Anthony Tremarco, a senior, has also upgraded his game. Mackiewicz also noted that several other golfers have gained valuable experience and will contribute next spring. They include juniors Dan Cosentino and Chris Koutsoupias, sophomoreKeithHagins and freshmen Jimmy Cosentino and QuinnMulvihill. "There's still plenty of time left in this season and we're looking to make our mark in the GMC tournament," Mackiewicz said. "Everyone on this team has worked very hard and we're looking to finish strong. We only have two seniors so everyone else will be back. I think our team has a bright future."