Hopkinton High School golfer Levi Schuster tees off during a recent match at Hopkinton Country Club. PHOTO/JOHN CARDILLO

Hopkinton High School boys golf coach Bill Phaneuf recalls the first time Levi Schuster played at Westwood during his varsity debut four years ago. The then-freshman topped his drive on a par 5 and became emotional as he walked to the poorly struck ball.

After a pep talk from Phaneuf, Schuster hit a strong second shot, put his third on the green and sank his putt for a birdie. That type of resilience has the senior captain in the top spot on this year’s Hillers squad, and leading the way as one of the team’s two captains.

“He remembered that and, when we played them this year, me and the boys had a little chuckle,” Phaneuf said. “He has become a good leader, he is personable, approachable and funny, and the kids love him and look up to him.”

Schuster’s game is strong, too. Playing out of the top spot in the lineup, he has averaged around 37 per nine-hole match, and Phaneuf said there are no discernible weak spots in his game. He finished fifth at the Hopkinton Country Club Championship, playing against predominantly older players.

Schuster and a deep group of HHS golfers, many of whom are capable of shooting in the 30s on any given day, posted a winning record in their dual matches through September and put themselves in a position to qualify for the district tournament as a team. Senior James Dupont and senior co-captain Jack Resnick are two more steady players for the Hillers, a team that also has relied on several guys who did not play huge roles a year ago. Chris Resnick, a junior, did not play any varsity matches last year but has played in nearly every one this fall. Junior Nate Spinale similarly has seen his workload increase, and Phaneuf said both players have shown they are up to the task.

Junior Alvin Zhong emerged as a standout, shooting 37 in a match against Westborough.

“He has stood out a little bit,” Phaneuf said. “He is a good player and a likely future captain.”

Senior Andrew Cooper, sophomore Ryan Moore and junior Matty Lydon are three more players who have contributed throughout the fall.

Hopkinton has been a strong team at home this year but occasionally has faltered on the road, Phaneuf said. Consistency has been hard to come by at times, a challenge enhanced by the fact that Ashland, Holliston, Medway, Dedham, Westwood and Norwood all field strong teams in the Tri-Valley League.

“Some teams that have historically not been great have very good teams this year,” Phaneuf observed. “There is some really good golf being played in the league.”