NILES, Illinois — The transition to high school sports isn't always easy. But for underclassman golfers Ian MacFarlane '28, Tommy Svanascini '27 and Chris Carney '27, it seems to have been a breeze.

MacFarlane, the youngest of the bunch, posted a 73 in the recent Mustang Invite, finishing in 7th place individually and in the same tier as several upperclassmen from schools like Fremd, Hersey and Rolling Meadows. The Knights finished the invite in 6th place as a team.

"I've known Ian since he was a little kid, and I've always known he had talent," head coach Joe Egan said. "But his mental game has been what has impressed me. Ian doesn't mind going up against the top players on opposing teams, is fearless on the course, and is always ready to compete. But at the same time, he doesn't take himself too seriously and is comfortable in his own shoes. These are extremely rare traits to find in a golfer, let alone a freshman."

MacFarlane currently ranks 5th in the individual Independent School League rankings, and is the highest-ranked underclassman in the conference. Not far behind is Svanascini, who ranks 7th. Carney has already been posting scores in the low 40s on the young season. The youth movement is what could propel Northridge to a prolonged stay among the state's top programs.

"We are lucky to have some guys who are way ahead of most kids their age and are performing really well," Egan says. "For our young players, we are looking to get them experience in pressure-filled moments early in the season, so they are ready for the conference and IHSA postseason. The only way to succeed under pressure is by doing it, and being ok with failure. This team across the board embraces those moments. We try to inspire them to want to play in those moments."

While the youth movement takes over, every great team also has its upperclassmen, who bear the responsibility of leading the team not only on the course, but off it as well. For Egan, he will be leaning on returning senior starters Evan Kataoka and Jackson Groth. After each got off to a "tough start" this year, Egan says the seniors' games are looking up after turning in the team's 2nd and 3rd best performances in the Knights 11th place finish at a loaded Payton-Jones Invitational.

After an impressive 2023 season, Egan and the Knights have fully turned the page to 2024, and he has high expectations.

"Our goals are to compete for a conference and regional championship. We think we have a very talented team that can go farther than any team before them. But as we all know, thinking something is one thing. Achieving it is another."

The Knights have started the season 1-1 in Independent School League play, a powerhouse conference in golf, winning the opening against U-High and falling in a close match with Francis Parker. Next up, the Knights take on ISL rival Lake Forest Academy Thursday afternoon.