By Don Eskins
The Greenwood Blue Jays walked off Bill and Payne Stewart Golf Course Monday afternoon as 2017 Class 1 – Sectional 1 champions.
The Jays posted a team low score of 327, forty strokes better than the second place Bloomfield Wildcats who carded a 367, to grab the title.
Both teams, along with fifteen individual qualifiers, will now advance on to the state tournament set to tee off on May 15 and 16 at Silo Ridge Country Club in Bolivar.
The Blue Jays rolled past the field as expected, but not the way most thought they would.
Greenwood, after watching their No. 1 player run into trouble early, had to get big rounds from their No. 3 and 4 spots to secure the win.
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Jacob Kassing, at number three, fired rounds of 38-39 for a 77 and John Smart, at number four, recorded rounds of 38-41 for a 79.
Blue Jay head coach Dave Oatman said his kids play was a perfect example of a classic team victory.
“I’ve always felt that the No. 3 and 4 spots were very important to the success of the team. When your No. 1 or 2 players aren’t playing as well as usual others have to step up and say we’ve got your back, we’ve got you covered,” said Oatman. “That’s exactly what Jacob and John did today when they went out and shot in the 70’s.”
Kassing’s 77, and Smart’s 79, were crucial to the Blue Jay’s victory.
“I’d been playing pretty good all day,” Kassing said. “When I heard that our No. 1 player was struggling I knew that I had to finish strong. I was able to do that and I really feel good about my effort today.”
Rounding out the days scoring for the Jays were Tom Montileone- 81, Tony Brandt- 90 and Aidan McQueary- 104. Only the top four scores count for team scores.
The second place Wildcats were led by Peyton Bell who carded a 78. Also scoring for Bloomfield were Brant Hobbs- 88, Holden Duckworth- 98, Dustin Debeaux- 103 and Levi Clary- 118.
Tyler Andrews of Crystal City turned in the day’s lowest score. Andrews recorded rounds of 34-36 for an even par score of 70.
“I got off to a good start today. I got a birdie on the first hole and that kind of set the tone for the rest of my round,” Andrews said. “I struck the ball well and was able to keep myself out of trouble most of the day.”
And what will Andrews be looking for at state?
“I’ll be looking for consistency in my game and I hope to score in the low 70’s,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll putt well to.”
The Blue Jays, after placing third at state last year, have been preparing all season long for another shot at a state title.
“We came up a bit short last year. But we’re going back and we’re going back with the same goal,” said Oatman. “We’re going back to state to win.”
Kassing’s sentiments were the same.
“Winning today, the way we did, has given us a boost of confidence,” Kassing said. “We’re ready for state, and after last year’s third place finish, we all think we have some unfinished business to take care of there.”
Team Scores
Greenwood 327
Bloomfield 367
Crystal City 377
Galena 384
St. Vincent 401
Individual Qualifiers
1 Tyler Andrews 70 Crystal City
2 Preston Richardson 73 Miller
3 Adam Cunnyngham 77 Galena
4 Dakota Prewitt 80 New Covenant
5 Kodi Shockey 82 Lutie
6 Matt Wilson 82 Purdy
7 Asron Wells 84 Thomas Jefferson
8 Will Secker 87 College Heights
9 Carson Miles 88 Advance
10 Easton Satterfield 89 SH
11 Tyler Keeler 90 Purdy
12 Luke Kirk 92 Thomas Jefferson
12 Blake Jimmerson 92 Viburnum
12 Kaleb Meyer 92 Pierce City
12 Arthur V. 92 McAuley Catholic
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