Marion boys golf team finishes season at sectional

CARBONDALE -- The season came to an end for the Marion High School boys golf team Monday at the Carbondale 2A Sectional at Hickory Ridge.
The Wildcats figured it would be a long shot to advance as a team and their total of 350 was indeed well behind the leaders, but were hoping to get some individuals qualified for the IHSA's Class 2A boys state tournament.
But it didn't happen, even with a slight advantage of being more familiar with Hickory Ridge than most of the teams in the sectional.
Isaac Hammet shot Marion's best score of 86, followed by Cooper Smith (87), Hunter Henry (88) and Karsten Stotlar (89). Brett Lewis turned in a 91 and Hayden Burns shot a 93.
Smith was the team's only senior.
Charleston won the sectional title at 297 with five players shooting between 73 and 76. They finished seven strokes ahead of Belleville Althoff, while Benton was third at 306 to take the final state berth.
Benton's total came from Brad Hammon and Brendan Luster, who both shot 75, and Robbie Moore and Jared Shaw, who both shot 78.
Herrin was left out despite a strong 310 score, but will send Drew Ringel and Logan Craft to state as individuals. Ringel carded a 75 and Craft came in at 78 and had to win a playoff for one of the final spots reserved for individuals on non-advancing teams.
Carbondale's Drew Hudgins was also part of that playoff and also advanced as an individual.
It was a tough day for Herrin as Logan Baggett was part of those who shot 78 but missed out from the playoff and Corbin Preston shot a 79 but had his season end.
Mattoon's Tanner Romine and Althoff's Avery Irwin had the best individual scores of the day at 72. Romine won a playoff for the medalist honor.
The IHSA's Class 2A boys state tournament will begin Friday at Weibring Golf Club in Normal.