Benton defends title at Marion Invitational

MARION -- Benton successfully defended its team title at the Marion Invitational boys golf tournament Wednesday at Kokopelli.
The Rangers easily won the trophy with a 306 total, finishing 11 shots ahead of Herrin at the 11-team, 18-hole event.
Belleville Althoff was third (321), followed by West Frankfort (326) and host Marion (351). Also playing, in order of finish, were Centralia, Massac County, Carbondale, Harrisburg, Mt. Vernon and Mt. Vernon.
Benton's Robbie Moore was the individual winner with a 69, with Althoff's Avery Irwin second at 71.
Three players shot 74 and after playoffs Herrin's Drew Ringel was awarded third place, followed by Althoff's Jack Bruening and West Frankfort's Tyson Elko.
Benton's other scores came from Brad Hammond (77), Brendan Luster (78) and Eldon Owens (82). Jared Shaw didn't factor in the Rangers' total but he placed 18th with an 84.
Carbondale's Drew Hudgins shot a 77.
Herrin's other scores were provided by Corbin Preston (79), Logan Craft (83) and Eli Gooch (83).
Marion's top score came from Brett Lewis at 79. Isaac Hammet carded an 85, Cooper Smith shot a 90 and Karsten Stotlar came in at 97. Hayden Burns' score was 106.