Zamir gives coach 41 reasons to smile

HOPEWELL VALLEY GOLF

By: Tim Falls
   If Areeb Zamir can keep his score in the low 40s all season, Hopewell Valley Central High School golf coach Bill Russell will be more than happy.
   The Bulldog senior started the season posting a 41 at Hopewell Valley Country Club, par 36, as his team defeated West Windsor-Plainsboro North, 214-231, Tuesday.
   Senior Ben Bershad led Hopewell Valley with a 40, while Alex Laughlin and Andrew Glander each shot a 44 and Steve Marsh had a 45.
   The 41 Zamir carded is just what Russell wants.
   "It’s his best round of the season so far," said Russell. "He was shooting higher last year, but if I get 41s from him all year I’ll be happy."
   Russell knows he can count on his senior’s putting to help keep the numbers low.
   "Areeb is an excellent putter," said Russell, "the best on the team. He doesn’t have too many putts out on the course."
   Eventually, Russell will expect better scores from his entire team, but knows it is early in the season and the weather could have been more favorable.
   "I was getting a little nervous," said Russell. "It was very windy and I didn’t know how they’d handle it."
   Nonetheless, the scores were right around Russell’s hopes.
   "They shot what I expected them to shoot at this point in the season," said Russell. "I think they can be lower. They’ll get better as the season goes on."
   Just like Zamir, Russell thinks the rest of his team can post low numbers that will make Hopewell Valley competitive even with the toughest teams.
   "We’ve been blessed; we’re six deep in talent," said Russell. "They can all post good scores."
   While Russell has been watching his own players, he has been keeping tabs on the other teams as well.
   Lawrence edged Steinert, 210-211, on Monday, and Russell has both those teams circled on his schedule. The Bulldogs were scheduled to face the Spartans on Wednesday.
   "Those are the matches we need to win," said Russell. "They both had good scores."
   Sandeep Ramachandran shot par, 36, at Miry Run and led Steinert against Lawrence. Chris Trapp shot a 40 for Lawrence and Steve Mann had a 41. All three were among the best in the Colonial Valley Conference last year and will face Bershad in the dual matches.
   "Ben is going to have to go head to head against the best in the CVC," said Russell, knowing his senior has proved himself able to handle those situations.
   To win the matches, Russell also is looking for Zamir and the rest of the team to be in the low 40s.
   "Areeb is a match player," said Russell. "He plays his best golf in the matches."