By RICHIE HALL
YORKTOWN – After a dominant performance at the sectional on Monday, the Hamilton Southeastern boys golf team did the same thing again at Thursday’s regional.
The Royals claimed the championship at the Muncie Central regional, which took place at The Players Club in Yorktown. Southeastern won its first regional trophy since 2015 (and fifth overall) with a score of 289, going one-over par as a team. The Royals improved upon their winning sectional score of 292 at Harbour Trees by three strokes.
A freshman led the way for HSE. Mattingly Upchurch is off to a great start in high school golf, as he won individual medalist honors on Thursday. Upchurch and Tipton’s Maverick Conaway both finished with two-under par 70s; Upchurch won first place in a playoff. He also made four birdies during his 18-hole round.
“It’s not surprising at all that he could handle the pressure,” said Royals coach David Young. Upchurch may be a freshman, but he has been playing in tournaments for years.
“He’s been playing golf for a long time now,” said Young. “So, we’re excited to see him at the high school level and be able to put this together.”
Upchurch
Two Southeastern seniors also stepped up, claiming spots in the individual top five. Cole Starnes totaled an even-par 72, draining five birdies along the way and placing fourth. Lane Zedrick added a 73, making three birdies and finishing fifth. Kai Warner’s 74 and Nate Benson’s 80 rounded out the Royals’ scoring.
“For those guys to have such a great round here at regionals, the time that we needed for them to step up the most, and obviously they did that,” said Young. “They did exactly what we had planned on, what we had talked about, and just for them to be able to be proud of themselves. That’s what I told them at the beginning of the round is, ‘I want you to have a round today that you’re going to think back on and just be proud of.’”
Just as importantly, Southeastern qualified for the IHSAA state finals with its regional win. The state meet takes place Tuesday and Wednesday at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. This will be the fifth year in a row and the 13th year overall that the Royals will play at state.
The top three teams move on to state. Tipton placed second with a 303, and Noblesville scored a 306 for the third advancing spot. This will be the 24th time the Millers have made it to state in school history.
“We’re excited,” said Noblesville coach Gary Deakyne. “Survive and advance. We played well today. We played really well for the first about 12 to 14 holes. We leaked a little oil coming in, but you know what? It’s one of those things. Survive and advance. We came here with the goal of advancing to the state finals and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The Millers had consistent scores from all five of their golfers. Cooper Claussen was Noblesville’s low man with a 74, draining three birdies. Alex Peck made two birdies on his way to a 76, while Drew Decker also had two birdies during his round of 77. Will Barnes made one birdie while scoring a 79, and Brady Mangin totaled an 83.
Fishers had an individual playing at the regional. Sam Keithley finished with an 89.
AT THE PLAYERS CLUB
Team scores: Hamilton Southeastern 289, Tipton 303, Noblesville 306, Yorktown 314, Heritage Christian 317, Cathedral 318, Bishop Chatard 322, Mount Vernon 330, Eastbrook 332, Bellmont 343, Greenfield-Central 344, New Palestine 345, Delta 358, Norwell 365, Winchester 369.
Medalist: Mattingly Upchurch (Southeastern) 37-33=70, won in playoff.
Other Southeastern scores: Cole Starnes 37-35=72, Lane Zedrick 36-37=73, Kai Warner 37-37=74, Nate Benson 39-41=80.
Noblesville scores: Cooper Claussen 35-39=74, Alex Peck 40-36=76, Drew Decker 41-36=77, Will Barnes 42-37=79, Brady Mangin 41-42=83.
Fishers score: Sam Keithley 45-44=89.