By RICHIE HALL
YORKTOWN – Dane Starnes did very well for his first-ever IHSAA postseason event.
The Hamilton Southeastern freshman played his inaugural tournament at The Players Club, the site of the Muncie Central regional Thursday. Starnes was the meet medalist with an even par 72 and helped the Royals to defend their regional trophy.
Southeastern scored 297, winning its sixth regional title in program history. In addition, the Royals advanced to this week’s state finals at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel. Noblesville placed second at the regional to also qualify for state.
Starnes was a rookie to the postseason, but not at The Players Club. He played on HSE’s first five when the Royals competed in the Muncie Invitational on May 18 and carded a one under par 71, making him the Royals’ low man for that day.
Noblesville placed second at the regional, qualifying for state for the 25th time in program history. (Richie Hall)
“We knew that going into sectionals and regionals who was going to play on which course, that was based on their track records and consistency on each of those courses,” said Southeastern coach David Young.
“I was really confident coming into this because we had a tournament here earlier this year and I shot one under,” said Starnes. “I really like this golf course. I was pretty confident but I was also really nervous for my first postseason tournament as a freshman.”
Starnes made four birdies in his round.
“It’s going to be an exciting next three years just watching him grow and develop,” said Young.
The entire Royals team did well, putting together consistent scores. Kai Warner was part of a three-way tie for fourth place by carding 74; he made one birdie. Jordan Huxford scored 75, Mattingly Upchurch totaled 76, with four birdies, and Nate Benson scored 78 with one birdie.
“We’ve hung around that 295 number a good amount this season,” said Young. “So, to play it when conditions are changing like we had today with the wind and different courses, when I think about the mark of a great team, that to me is no matter what course you put us on, we’re pretty consistent.”
The Royals qualified for state for the sixth consecutive year and 14th year overall.
Meanwhile, Noblesville achieved its score of 305 in the same way: by being consistent. All five Millers golfers scored anywhere from 74 to 78 in their rounds. Noblesville coach Gary Deakyne said that consistency has “been our thing all year long.”
“We have a lot of faith in all of our guys,” said Deakyne. “And you never know. We put it all together at the same time, something special could happen next week.”
Lance Decker led the way with 74, tying him for fourth place individually. Decker made one birdie on Thursday.
Brady Mangin was next with 76, draining two birdies. Alex Peck scored 77, while Drew Werkley and Tyler Marucci both scored 78s. Peck and Werkley each made two birdies while helping the Millers to their 25th appearance at state and third in a row.
Cathedral finished in third place with a 317 to advance to state. Fishers placed fourth with 318. Carson Peters was Fishers’ low man with 78, making one birdie. Sam Keithley totaled 79 and drained three birdies.
Team scores: Hamilton Southeastern 297, Noblesville 305, Fishers 316, Cathedral 317, Mount Vernon 321, Heritage Christian 325, Eastbrook 327, Yorktown 328, New Palestine 330, Park Tudor 333, Greenfield-Central 343, Norwell 349, Delta 353, Monroe Central 363, Bluffton 364.
Medalist: Dane Starnes (Southeastern) 36-36=72.
Other Southeastern scores: Kai Warner 38-36=74, Jordan Huxford 37-38=75, Mattingly Upchurch 37-39=76, Nate Benson 37-41=78.
Noblesville scores: Lance Decker 37-37=74, Brady Mangin 38-38=76, Alex Peck 39-38=77, Drew Werkley 41-37=78, Tyler Marucci 40-38=78.
Fishers scores: Carson Peters 36-42=78, Sam Keithley 36-43=79, Tommy Klinker 42-38=80, Will Major 40-41=81.