With the regular season winding down, league races continue to be hotly contested.

One reason for the competitive races is the increased depth that most of the top programs on the county boast.

At a time when almost every team has at least one top-flight performer, the really exceptional programs have the luxury of going four, five and even six deep.

For example, Simi Valley, which is in the midst of a strong battle with Westlake and Royal for the Marmonte League championship, fired a school record 361 at Simi Hills on Tuesday.

J.D. Archibald led the way with a 2-under 69, and Chase Patten had an even-par 71. But what made the round for the Pioneers was Matt McLaughlin, Tyler Ostrovsky and Alex Schock, who fired rounds of 73, 74 and 74 respectively.

"I think our depth is our strength," coach Roger McCamy said, "We have eight kids capable of shooting par golf."

Royal has a talented top four in Matt Hoffenberg, Danny Katz, Paul Misko and Kyle Holden. All four have taken turns being medalists this season.

Westlake has a great No. 1 player in Jason Rosenkranz, but he continues to get help from players like Brandon Hagy, Scott Patterson and Marshall Colby. In its win on Tuesday, all five Westlake players scored 74 or lower.

Oak Park coach Bruce Beck said this year's team is by far the deepest he's ever had.

"While we lack the pure superstar that we've had in the past, with James Logeman, Brandon Beck, Trevor James, I feel comfortable that I can put virtually any combination of six players on the course and shoot in the 390s. With our top six, we are consistently a 380s team and if we put it all together can put up a score in the low 370s."

Beck said the increased depth around the county is a result of kids getting more experience on a year-round basis.

"Our freshmen are coming in having played VCJGA, SCGA and even AJGA," Beck said. "They are experienced and serious golfers. In years past, while we may have been anchored by players like this, many, if not most were recreational golfers at best."

Young guns: Oak Park continues to get strong contributions from freshman Alex Ferman and Danielle Kang.

Ferman has medaled in three of the 10 matches he has played, a freshman record. Kang recently fired a 78 against Dos Pueblos, making her the second lowest scorer on the team.

Hot rounds: Paul Misko and Matt Hoffenberg posted rounds of 67 and 68, respectively at Los Robles (par 70). ... Zack West of Oaks Christian fired a 2-under 70 at Malibu Country Club. ... Mike Flynn had an even-par 72 at River Ridge.