LAS VEGAS — The Coronado boys golf team has won the last two Class 5A state championships, and senior Anderson Lee is determined to make it three in a row. The season opens this week, and Lee is chasing both a third team title and a second individual championship.
Lee set his sights on this after his freshman year, when the Cougars failed to qualify for state. “We didn’t make it to state in my freshman year,” he said. “It’s been our goal ever since to make sure that doesn’t happen again.”
Coronado edged Bishop Gorman by a single stroke in 2024 and repeated the feat last season. Lee won the individual title as a sophomore and tied for seventh in 2025.
Lee’s top challengers include Faith Lutheran’s Nick Horodesky, Doral Academy’s Luke Chepiak and Michael Edwards, Palo Verde’s Matthew Maurice, Desert Oasis’ Nick Flores and Shadow Ridge’s Zach Kilgore. But Lee focuses on his own game. “It’s just me versus everyone out there,” he said.
Coronado coach Rusty Anderson said Lee, who will play at UC Irvine with his sister HaYoung Lee, has the talent to win. “He’s got what it takes,” Anderson said.
Lee is joined by returning Cougars Brent Chung, Eli Marshall, Sam Bennett and Jiho Park. The team lost standout Brock Walters to graduation, but Anderson likes the group. “Our returning guys are all familiar with each other, and I like this team,” he said.
Bishop Gorman, Palo Verde and 5A newcomer Doral Academy are among the top contenders. Gorman coach Dusty Allen said back-to-back runner-up finishes have motivated his squad. “Coming in second the last two years has really refuelled our players’ fire,” Allen said. Gorman is led by Colby Hutton, Scott Boschee, Benny Nelson and Colton Rubenstein.
Both coaches noted the parity in 5A golf this season. “There are at least five teams good enough to compete for the championship,” Allen said.
Lee believes this year’s Coronado team is the strongest he’s been on. “Almost everyone is back, and I think this is the strongest team we’ve had,” he said.
Gorman opens Mountain League play at 11:30 a.m. Monday, while Coronado begins Desert League action at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, both at Paiute.
