Doral Academy Charges into 5A Boys Golf Fray as Formidable Newcomer

Back-to-Back 4A Titles Fuel Ambitious Jump (Image Credits: Unsplash)

Las Vegas — Doral Academy’s boys golf team arrived in Nevada’s top 5A division with momentum from recent dominance in lower classifications. The Dragons, who captured back-to-back 4A state team titles, quickly demonstrated their readiness by securing a close third place in an early-season Class 5A Mountain League match.[1][2] Traditional powerhouses like Bishop Gorman and Coronado now face heightened competition as parity spreads across the division. With region tournaments looming in May, Doral Academy positioned itself among the elite contenders for the state championship.

Back-to-Back 4A Titles Fuel Ambitious Jump

The Dragons built a championship pedigree before entering 5A. In the 2025 Nevada 4A state championships, Doral Academy claimed the team title for the second consecutive year.[3] Luke Cheplak finished second individually at 8-under par, while Michael Edwards tied for third, powering the squad past Green Valley High and Centennial.

Coach Andrew Grisnik earned recognition for guiding the team through this run. His leadership earned him a spot on the 2025 Nevada Preps All-Southern Nevada boys golf team as coach of the year.[4] Cheplak topped the 4A Desert League regular-season standings, and Edwards placed second in league play before their strong state showings. This success in 4A set expectations high for the program’s leap to the state’s highest classification.

Impressive Debut Against 5A Heavyweights

Doral Academy wasted no time proving its mettle in 5A. On March 2, 2026, at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort’s Sun Mountain course, the team finished third in a Mountain League match with a score of 32-over 320.[1] Bishop Gorman took the team victory at 24-over 312, with Faith Lutheran second at 31-over 319.

Michael Edwards shone individually, tying for second at 3-over 75, just one stroke behind winner Colby Hutton of Bishop Gorman. The narrow margins highlighted the Dragons’ competitiveness right out of the gate. Such performances underscored why observers viewed Doral as a team capable of disrupting the established order.

Standout Returners Anchor the Lineup

Luke Cheplak and Michael Edwards returned as the core of Doral’s roster. Cheplak, a junior, led the 4A Desert League and placed second at state last year. Edwards, now a junior after a standout sophomore campaign, continued his form with the recent tie for second in 5A.

These players earned spots on the 2025 All-Southern Nevada boys golf team, reflecting their consistency.[4] The duo’s experience from championship runs provides stability amid the step up in competition. Supporting cast members from prior seasons bolster depth, allowing the Dragons to compete stroke-for-stroke with 5A veterans.

• Luke Cheplak: 4A Desert League champion, 2nd at 2025 state (8-under).
• Michael Edwards: 2nd in 4A Desert League, T3 at state, T2 in recent 5A match.
• Coach Andrew Grisnik: 2025 Coach of the Year, architect of two 4A titles.

Increased Parity Reshapes 5A Landscape

Coronado entered the 2026 season aiming for a third straight 5A title after edging Bishop Gorman by one stroke in 2024. Gorman remained a perennial force, while Palo Verde joined Doral as a strong contender. Analysts noted extreme parity, with at least five teams viable for the crown.[2]

This balance stemmed from realignments and emerging talents. Doral’s promotion from 4A injected fresh competition into a division long dominated by a few programs. Early results suggested the state championship race would extend beyond the usual suspects.

Doral Academy’s seamless integration into 5A boys golf promises an exciting path to the May regionals and state event. The Dragons’ early resilience against top foes hints at their potential to claim the ultimate prize. What do you think of Doral’s chances this season? Tell us in the comments.