BROOKINGS, S.D. — Wessington Springs put itself squarely in the hunt for a state championship Monday, finishing second after the opening round of the Class B Boys State Golf Tournament at Brookings Country Club.
The Spartans carded a team score of 232, 16-over par, and trail only Philip, which leads the tournament at 229. Bon Homme sits third at 234, while Clark/Willow Lake and Hill City are tied for fourth at 239 heading into Tuesday’s final round.
Wessington Springs placed four golfers among the top 76 individuals and enters the second day just three strokes off the lead.
JD Thompson paced the Spartans with a 1-over-par 73, leaving him tied for second in the individual standings. Thompson is two shots behind leader Gavin Colson of Sully Buttes, who fired a 1-under 71.
Luke Larson added a 77 and is tied for 16th, while Tucker Thompson shot 82 and is tied for 46th. Heyns Bothma rounded out the team scoring with an 85, tied for 71st.
Among other area teams, Platte-Geddes finished 18th with a 255. Maddux VanZee led the Black Panthers with an 82, tying for 46th place. Aiden Boltjes shot 86, Bohde Kuiper posted an 87 and Jye Bailey added an 89.
Howard sits 19th at 258. Dre Bolden led the Tigers with an 85, while Max Shumaker finished with an 86. Westyn Kizer recorded an 87 and Rowen Kizer carded an 89.
Hanson ended the day in 23rd place with a team score of 263. Nate Wilber paced the Beavers with an 85, followed by Layton Popp’s 86. Pierce Kayser shot 92 as Hanson looks to climb the standings on Tuesday.
Philip was led by Shay Weber’s 74 and a balanced lineup that produced the tournament’s best team score. Bon Homme remains close behind after posting a 234, just five shots off the pace.
The second and final round of the Class B Boys State Golf Tournament is scheduled for Tuesday at Brookings Country Club.