By Don Eskins (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Logan-Rogersville Wildcats posted a 302 to capture the Clever Invitational, on Monday, April 1, at Rivercut Golf Course in Springfield. 23 teams competed in the event.
The Lockwood Tigers, paced by top medalist Easton Cossins’ 70, carded a 321 to finish second. Ash Grove, behind Asher Rust’s 75, placed third with a 332.
The victory made it two in a row for the Wildcats who opened the 2024 prep golf season last week with a win at the Reeds Spring Invitational held at Pointe Royale in Branson.
“Despite some struggling on the greens with their putting, our kids played really well today,” said Logan-Rogersville head coach John Schafer. “As their coach I’m really proud of them for the effort they put out today under some difficult situations.”
“Our kids finished second at state last year, and as a result, ended the season with a bit of a chip on their shoulders. They all have their sights set on winning it all this year and it shows up at every day at practice,” he said. “All the hard work they’ve put in since last year is beginning to pay off. Adding to that, having won back-to-back tournaments at Pointe Royale and Rivercut, has made them a very confident team.”
Wildcat senior Bryce Marshall concurred.
“We are all driven to win this year’s state title,” said Marshall. “One of the things that has helped us to get better is that we’re all very competitive. But, as competitive as we are, we all understand that getting back to state starts at practice, so we work hard every day.”
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS OF THE TOURNAMENT
In picking up the Clever Invitational title four Wildcats posted rounds in the 70’s. Junior Ben Roche, with a 73, led the Logan-Rogersville effort. Rounding out their scorecard were: Bryce Marshall 75, Tyler Davis 77, Stewart McDonald 77 and Brady Goodson 80.
“We did have some difficult playing situations here today. As the greens had recently been aerated putting was tough. Also, the winds began to pick up towards the end of the day,” said Roche. “But, for me, I felt like the course played fairly easy. I was pretty happy to post a 73.”
The Lockwood Tigers, the smallest prep golf team in the state, was also happy with their round of 321.
“We may be the smallest prep team in the state but our kids can play. Watching them go out and compete against so many great teams, teams like Logan-Rogersville, makes me really proud,” said Lockwood coach Reese Fyfe. “Last week, at the Reeds Spring Invitational in Pointe Royale, our boys placed 7th in a field of 21. We’re definitely trending in the right direction, and we hope to keep up the momentum we’ve gained so far.”
Top medalist Easton Cossins, who topped a field of 112 prepsters at the Clever Invite, is a pretty good indication that the Tigers are moving in the right direction.
Only a sophomore Cossins posted rounds of 37-33 for a 70 en route to laying claim to this year’s individual tournament title.
“Although I had a few problems hitting the fairways with my driver I did hit the greens, and despite them having been aerated, I feel like I putted really well,” he said. “As for our team, we’re playing very well right now. I’m really proud just to be a part of it. I hope, as coach Fyfe said, we can keep the momentum we’re riding throughout the rest of the season.”
Scorecards for top three teams:
First Place: Logan-Rogersville 302- 1. Ben Roche 73, 2. Bryce Marshall 75, 3. Tyler Davis 77, 4. Stewart McDonald 77, and 5. Brady Goodson 80.
Second Place: Lockwood- 321- 1. 1. Easton Cossins 70, 2. Kolton Kleeman 77, 3. Logan Pittsenbarger 84, 4. Henry Schnelle 90, and 5. Lucas Eggerman 99.
Third Place: Ash Grove 332- 1. Asher Rust 75, 2. Easton Rust 79, 3. Brock Long 87, 4. David Scerbina 91 and 5. Ammon Crockett 102.
Top Ten:
1. Logan Rogersville – 302
2. Lockwood – 321
3. Ash Grove – 332
4. Ava – 341
5. Willow Springs – 343
6. Eldorado Springs – 359
T7. Thomas Jefferson – 366
T7. Sarcoxie – 366
9. Aurora – 368
10. Forsyth – 371
Top 12 Medalists:
1. Easton Cossins – 37-33-70 – Lockwood
2. Ben Roche – 37-36-73 – Logan-Rogersville
T3. Bryce Marshall – 35-40-75 – Logan-Rogersville
T3. Asher Rust – 37-38-75 – Ash Grove
5. Bobby Harris – 38-38-76 – Galena
T6. Tyler Davis – 37-40-77 – Logan-Rogersville
T6. Colton Kleeman – 40-37-77 – Lockwood
T6. Stewart McDonald – 40-37-77 – Logan-Rogersville
T9. Easton Rust – 40-39-79 – Ash Grove
T 9. Matt Swayne – 40-39-79 – Sarcoxie
T11. Brady Goodson – 40-40-80 – Logan-Rogersville
T11. Gage Simons – 39-41-80 – Clever
