Easy win for Rowland Hall

MIDWAY — The second round of the 2A State Golf Championship turned sunny as opposed to the strong winds that swept the Soldier Hollow course during the first round. But the results turned out the same: Rowland Hall dominated. The Winged Lion led by 25 strokes after the first round and tacked on another 25-stroke lead to win by 50, compiling a 616 total for the two-day tournament.

Carson Huiskamp matched his first round 75 with an identical score to claim medalist honors. His closest competition came from teammate Quentin Morse, who shot the low round of the day with a 71 and finished two strokes behind at 152. Third place went to Rowland Hall's Tom Veghte at 156.

Beaver's Jace Sisneros posted a 161 to keep the Winged Lion from a top-four sweep. Eric Hutchinson's 162 rounded out the top five. Yes, he too is from Rowland Hall. The stage really belonged to Rowland Hall in a command performance.

And the really bad news for the rest of 2A is that nobody graduates from this team. Four sophomores and two juniors will be back.

"I am really proud of these kids," Rowland Hall coach Shawn MaQueen said. "They all shot phenomenal rounds."

Huiskamp, a sophomore, jump-started his round with a birdie on the first hole.

"I rolled in a 25-footer, which was my longest putt of the day," Huiskamp said. "I really hit my irons well."

"He is very consistent, very steady, not a lot of highs, not a lot of lows," MaQueen said of Huiskamp. "His strength is his short game."

Second-place finisher Morse attributed his success to the mental game also. "I tried to focus on every shot," he said.

Beaver finished second, led by Brett Hansen's 164. Layton Christian surprised some, claiming the third spot. Alex Eltzroth posted a 170 and Philip Six a 171. Richfield slipped to fourth as no one could really get it going for the Wildcats. Brett Smith carded a 167 and Jordan Porter came in with a 172 but each scored well in only one of the two rounds.

MaQueen was rightfully jubilant but he did allow: "Two of my kids shot their personal best today." He was referring to Morse and Joey Polychronis, who was a top-10 finisher at 166. And both are sophomores.

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