ATTICA — Southmont boys’ golf fired a 357, while Crawfordsville’s Luke Ranard fired an 81 at the IHSAA Sectional at Harrison Hills on Friday to collectively advance to next week’s regional.
The Mounties placed second overall, runner-up to Greencastle’s 322 led by Keaton Parmley’s 76 and Benton Parmley’s 77.
“We could have played our absolute best today, and I don’t think we could have gotten to 322. Our we better than 357? Absolutely,” Southmont coach Bill Whalen said.
The Mounties fired a 168 on the front, but penalty strokes proved to be costly on the last nine.
“It was penalty strokes,” Whalen added. “The back just killed us. I think we had maybe five balls in the pond on 10 and 11.”
Harrison Haddock fired an 85 to lead the Mounties, including a 40 on the front-nine. Nolan Allen shot 86 and Micah Korhorn an 87. Luke Tesmer fired a 99 and Carson McKinney a 102.
“Getting back is fun,” Whalen said of the Mounties’ first regional qualification since 2018. “It’s a reward for these kids. We know what we are up against down there. We are going down there to have fun. It’s a reward for them for all the hard work they’ve put in.”
Crawfordsville placed fifth with a score of 384.
“All we needed to do was shoot below average to move on,” Crawfordsville coach Tom Perkins said. “After a decent front nine, the wheels fell off for everyone but Luke, who has been Mr. Consistent all season. I’m thrilled he’s qualified to move on to the regional.”
Parke Heritage’s 376 was the third best score to advance the Wolves to the regional.
Ranard’s 81 was the fourth lowest score of the meet. Covington’s Nolan Potter fired an even-par 72 to earn medalist honors.
Landon Timmons shot a 91, while Hayden Jeffries and Thomas Bowling each fired 106 and Landon Hurt a 110 to round out the Crawfordsville scores.
“We just can’t seem to shake off our cases of nerves in the big tournaments,” Perkins said. “After reflecting on the season, I’m excited about our future. Losing no one, and welcoming a super talented freshman to the squad, we expect to be significantly better in 2022. The young men worked hard every day and did everything I asked of them.”
North Montgomery shot a 408, led by Hayden Turner and Drew Norman, who both fired a 96.
“I think we improved throughout, but there’s always room for improvement,” North Montgomery coach Nick Johnson said. “I told the kids when they came in, I thanked them for playing, but told them ‘you’ve got to be out at least two or three times a week,’ whether you’re just chipping or putting. Golf isn’t really something you can play two or three months out of the season and then be done with it, you’ve got to constantly improve and I think we’ve got a couple kids on the team that want to do that and it’s up to them to put forth the effort so we can improve for next year.”
Thomas Fritzen fired a 107, Haze Kashon a 109 and Jacob Hughes a 123.
Fountain Central shot 402, led by Nathan Summer’s 97. Jacob Keeling fired a 99, while Matt york and Wesley Jackson each shot 103. Jaylin Payne fired a 104.
Southmont and Ranard will play in the Washington Regional at Country Oaks Golf Course next Thursday.
