Barks makes top 40 in Class 5 for Mules; Bearcats place seventh in Class 3

BOLIVAR, Mo. — The Poplar Bluff boys golf team had its two players wrap up the MSHSAA Class 5 State Tournament on Tuesday at Silo Ridge Golf and Country Club, with both players gaining valuable insight for next season.

“Overall it was great experience of what you need to do to get to that level,” Poplar Bluff coach Billy Pyland said.

Chaminade took home the team title with a 594 to edge Rockhurst by one shot with the two shooting identical scores on day two.

There was a three-way tie for the top spot with Chaminade’s Bubba Chapman, Rockhurst’s Jack Cobb and Liberty North’s Caden Mickelson all finishing at 142.

Poplar Bluff junior Lawson Barks finished 37th with a 78-77 (155) while freshman Corbin Thomas took 77th with an 86-82 (168).

“Each kid is different but both definitely need to play more competitive rounds, under the gun with some good golfers,” Pyland said. “They’re as skilled but not seasoned like these guys are. When you play AJGA, there’s a difference when you’re qualifying for each tournament. There’s an added pressure there. I’m proud of these guys because of the way they conducted themselves not playing their best.”

Class 3

Dexter’s Ben Christian earns All-State at State Tourney

After a 350 on the first day of the MSHSAA Class 3 State Golf Tournament, the Dexter Bearcats posted the biggest improvement of the day as Dexter carded a 332 to finish seventh with Ben Christian earning all-state honors for DHS at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield.

“I’m really proud of my kids today moving up a spot as a team,” Dexter coach Eric Sitze said.

Bishop LeBlond won the tournament with a 622 while Dexter finished with a 682. Bishop LeBlond’s Timothy Johnson took first overall as he shot a 73-72 to finish at 145.

Christian fired a 74 on day two, one of the best scores of the day, to finish with a 154 over the two-day tournament.

“Ben finished his round today like a champ,” Sitze said. “He grew up a little bit starting out plus-3 on his first two holes. He really handled that situation great and finished with four birdies on the back and a 34 on the back nine.”

Fredric Nesselrodt finished tied for 38th with an 85-85 (170) while teammate Tucker Temples took 43rd with a 87-84 (171).

Alyssa Warren finished 75th with a 98-89 (187).

“Alyssa hit a goal today breaking 90 with an 89 and to do it on this course at state is a positive step for next season,” her coach said.

Sitze said it was a solid second day and a good jumping off point for next season.

“I’m glad we were able to get this experience this year for this group and hopefully it will help prepare us for next year,” he said.