The Prior Lake boys golf team has been finishing in the upper half in South Suburban Conference play.

The Lakers just can't get to the very top, but they were close May 16 in the fourth SSC tournament of the season at the Meadows at Mystic Lake in Prior Lake.

Prior Lake finished second with a team score of 309, which was tied with Lakeville North and Eastview, but the Lakers won the tiebreaker. Lakeville South took first, one shot ahead of those three teams.

Junior Carter Taney led the way for the Lakers, shooting an even-par 72, which was his career-low round in a high school competition.

Taney also led Prior Lake in the second SSC tourney May 10 at the Ridges of Sand Creek in Jordan, shooting a 7-over par 78. Junior Jake Thibault also broke 80 with a 79.

Prior Lake finished fifth with a 320 total with Rosemount winning (315). Lakeville South was second (316).

In the third SSC tourney May 14 at Valleywood Golf Course in Apple Valley, the Lakers has just one round under 80 — Taney with a 79 — and finished sixth with a 330 total. Eastview won (303), followed by Lakeville South and Lakeville North (313).

"Carter is playing consistently through all types of conditions and courses," Lakers coach Brad Bulver said. "[Valleywood] has been the biggest nightmare for us since we joined the SSC. It all comes down to hitting our spots and chipping and putting."

Prior Lake is competing in the Owatonna Invitational at Owatonna Country Club May 19. The SSC Championships are May 21 at Inverwood Golf Course in Inver Grove Heights at 10 a.m.

Other scores from the Lakers at the Ridges of Sand Creek included: junior Connor Hofslein (81), sophomore Brenden Jore (82), ninth-grader Fred Moede (84) and junior Matthew Peterson (90).

Other scores for the Lakers at Valleywood: Peterson (82), Hofslein (83), junior Jake Thibault (86), Jore (86) and Moede (87).

At the Meadows at Mystic Lake, Jore and Thibault were also under 80 for the Lakers with 78 and 79, respectively. Hofslein and Peterson both had 80, while Moede finished with 90.

The 36-hole Section 2AAA tournament starts May 30 and ends June 4 with the final round. Both days are at the Ridges of Sand Creek Golf Course in Jordan. Minnetonka is the defending champion, but Chaska could be the favorite this year.

Other teams in the field: Chanhassen, Eden Prairie, Hutchinson, Minnetonka, Mankato West, Mankato East, New Prague Orono, Shakopee and Waconia.

The winning team and top-five individuals not on the state qualifying squad make the state field.