Lion taming may be tough

St. Viator’s formidable foursome is primed to repeat when the state’s best boys golfers tee it up Friday at The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington for the Class 3A state finals.

With scores consistently at 290 to 295, the Lions have set quite a standard with Dan Stringfellow, Matt Vitale, Brad Klune and Joey Carlson.

‘‘Our kids are tournament-tested,’’ said St. Viator coach Jack Halpin, whose squad finished 10th out of 16 teams at the McDonald’s Tournament of Champions in Kingsport, Tenn., which featured the top programs in the country.

‘‘I think that was a wake-up call for us. We’ve been focused on state since Day 1.’’ Teams hoping to catch the Lions include New Trier, Lake Forest and Hinsdale Central.

Illinois recruit Ross Frankenberg of Barrington placed second last year and is anxious to get started.

‘‘There’s a rich golf history in the Illinois state tournament,’’ Frankenberg said. ‘‘There are probably about 10 guys that are capable of winning, but you never know who can come out and surprise you. A lot depends on the conditions. I like the pressure and the competition; hopefully, I can be there in the end.’’

Many golfers can have a great first day, but Day 2 usually separates the top players from the hunters.

Stringfellow, Klune, Hinsdale Central’s Brett Tomfohrde, Benet’s John Callahan and New Trier’s Matt Haller figure to be in the mix.

‘‘Whoever is rolling the rock is going to have the best chance,’’ said Stringfellow, whose worst round this season was 73. ‘‘It’s kinda cool everyone thinks we’re the team to beat. That just pushes us.’’

If there’s a dark horse, it might be Leyden’s Konrad Deka, who tied Stringfellow at the sectional with a 69.

‘‘Konrad’s not afraid of anyone, and he’s played great all season,’’ Leyden coach Steve Siekierski said. ‘‘He’s very focused and has a lot of confidence. I think he’s got a great chance.’’