While the Falcons have earned that supposition after numerous state championships, last year was different.

Four teams won conference matches last season. Green Hope won the league by a mere five points. Holly Springs won the Tri-Nine tournament.

Senior Will Thomas, a UNC-Greensboro recruit, was the medalist in last year's Tri-Nine tournament and leads a team of six other veteran players for Green Hope.

Min Chung Kim, Colby Shepad, Patrick John, Zack Daltori, Brad Seik and Mike Seik are also back for coach Mike Robinson.

Holly Springs returns all-conference golfer Jake Stone, who has signed to play for King College in Tennessee.

Athens Drive, which was third in last year's Tri-Nine, returns both Garrett Simmons and Seth Meade.

Apex returns all-conference performer Zach Smith.