Sikeston golf team makes strides at SEMO Conference Meet, Poplar Bluff sets MSHSAA record

Despite facing some of the region’s top golf programs, Sikeston held its own at the SEMO Conference Meet at Fox Haven Country Club on Tuesday, April 30, finishing a respectable fourth place. 

The tournament showcased the strength of the conference, with Poplar Bluff taking the title with an impressive 283 score, which is the lowest recorded score on a par 71 course in MSHSAA history. 

Jackson placed second at 294, while Dexter finished third with a solid 318.

Sikeston’s 329 team score highlighted the squad’s potential, particularly considering the team’s youth. 

Ben James and Henry Arndt both shot 79, tying for 12th place in a year where the competition for All-Conference honors was particularly fierce. Will Lape contributed a strong 84 (tied for 17th), and Eli Stephenson’s 87 (tied for 22nd) demonstrated his growing impact on the team.

“We are a very young team, not just age-wise, but most of our players have only been playing golf for two or three years,” said Sikeston coach Marvin Whitson. “The biggest positives I reflected on are that the team is playing closer to its potential and the players’ dedication to improving their game. I know most of them will be playing a lot this summer, and I’m really looking forward to next season.”

Notre Dame (347), Cape Central (349), and Malden (486) rounded out the competition. 

Dexter's Banks Nesselrodt (69) won the first hole of a playoff to earn medalist honors over Poplar Bluff's Landon Barks (69). 

Poplar Bluff's Lawson Barks (70) finished third, Jackson's Jake Miller (71) was fourth while Jackson's Marshall Earnhardt, Poplar Bluff's Caiden Luke and Chaz Love tied for fifth with a score of 72.