Depth has been very good to the Coeur d'Alene boys golf team this season.
And with eight players capable of shooting in the 70s - the competition for varsity spots is fierce.
"It's a good problem to have," Coeur d'Alene coach Bryan Duncan said. "I think we're deeper than we've ever been, but these guys have been the most consistent for us all year. I think we're ready to go. These guys shot the lowest score (280) in school history earlier this year (at the Lakeland Hawk Invitational on April 25 at The Links Golf Course) and I think two days of shooting 8-under as a team can give us a really good shot."
Coeur d'Alene won the regional title by shooting a 294 last week at Prairie Falls Golf Course in Post Falls. Post Falls also advanced with a 299 - lead by sophomore Trevor Fedele, who won the regional title with a 63.
Kraft, who was third at regionals, recently signed to play at the Community Colleges of Spokane next year.
"You definitely have to work hard and fight for your spot," Kraft said. "But it's also a good thing because if you're playing bad, you've got three other guys right behind you that can pick you up. We've got such a great bond on this team. We know if one of us is playing bad, they know that we're playing as a team and someone else will be right there to have his back."
Post Falls senior Maddie Dodge, who was second last year, finished second with a 78 at regionals to advance. Lewiston's girls won the regional title.
State tourneys in all four divisions begin today and conclude Tuesday, each consisting of 18 holes each day.
5A: Coeur d'Alene finished third at state last year and second two years ago - both teams that Kraft played on.
"It would mean everything," Kraft said of winning a state title. "Especially for me as a senior. The only reason we've lost the last two years is on penalty strokes."
Lake City's Tye Smith qualified as an individual after finishing second at regionals.
Coeur d'Alene's girls also qualified as a team after finishing second to Lewiston at regionals.
The Eagle boys have won the previous two team championships. Capital is defending girls champion.
