Darren Kinnard
Section618.com
EFFINGHAM — Carbondale’s Ian Davis and Breese Mater Dei were the big winners at the Effingham 2A Boys Golf Sectional Monday.
Davis had piled up five birdies through the first 16 holes, but his first bogey of the day came on 17 and left him tied with Benton’s Cy Norman, who was in the clubhouse with a 68. Needing a birdie to win or a par to force a playoff, Davis’ approach was long and over the green. The Terriers’ junior nearly rolled in the chip for the win. Instead, he tapped in for par and a 4-under 68 to tie Norman. Norman declined a playoff due to some back issues, leaving Davis the medalist.
The Rangers wound up with three individuals finishing in the top 10 as River Stilley tied for sixth and Nick Melvin tied for 9th. That wasn’t enough though to claim the team title, as Breese Mater Dei edged Benton by three strokes for the title.
The Rangers, as well as Althoff, and of course Mater Dei, will advance as teams to state. Mt. Vernon’s Blaze Greathouse was the only area individual other than Davis to advance. Greathouse finished tied for 13th with a 78.
The boys 2A State Tournament will be Friday and Saturday in Bloomington.