Peter Bishop is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Pinnacle High School for AZPreps365.com

There was a bittersweet feeling in the air last Tuesday as the tenth-ranked Pinnacle High School boy’s golf team concluded the final match of the regular season at Sundance Golf Club in Buckeye.

Although Pinnacle edged out fifth-ranked Liberty by one stroke to win the event, this was not the only thing the Pioneers had on their minds. The team’s two seniors, James Rogers and Mason Collins, played in their final regular-season match with their team.

The team shot a total score of 148, with help from brothers Joey and Liam Allan, who both finished the day at even par.

There was a three-way tie at the top of the individual leaderboard as Liberty golfers Nash Arthurs, Nathan Brawley, and Adam Croix all finished with 1-under-par 35s.

However, this was not enough for Liberty as Pinnacle put on a strong team performance to take the first spot on the leaderboard for the day.

“It is definitely a little bittersweet,” Collins said. “Especially with all the memories I've made throughout my golf experience. It’s really like a family.”

After experiencing some trouble on the first three holes, Collins bounced back with a birdie and four pars to end the day with a score of 3-over par, despite four bogeys on the day.

“The hole after my third bogey, I stuck it to two feet and tapped it in for birdie, finishing three over. It could always be worse,” Collins said.

Rogers ended the day shooting a 1-over-par 37, showing flashes throughout the match including two birdies. Although it was not Rogers’ best performance of the season, it was certainly a day to remember.

“It was definitely emotional,” Rogers said. “I was feeling it a little bit.”

For Rogers and Collins, four years of playing together has built a strong sense of brotherhood. 

“It’s definitely been a lot of maturing,” Collins said, “I feel like we are completely different people from when we first started [until] today.”

Head coach Jason Jones was especially emotional as he greeted his seniors on the final green for their final handshake and embrace.

Jones selected Collins as his team captain before the season started, nominating him rather than conducting a team vote. “He just kept the energy up,” Jones said. “I think that is something you need as far as the chemistry of the team.”

As for Rogers, Jones had high praise for the talented player, who hopes to play golf in college.

“This year he’s come to the point where his game is in the stratosphere,” Jones said. “Having the ability to play at the next level I think is a probability instead of a possibility.”

The future is undoubtedly bright for the two golfers, although Collins doesn't have aspirations to play at the next level. Rogers, however, is hoping to make that dream a reality.