KETTERING – Competing in its first state tournament since 2010, the Buckeye Valley boys golf team is making the most of its long-awaited opportunity.
The Barons are two shots off the lead and senior Sam Reynolds is the individual leader entering the second and final round of the Division II state tournament Oct. 7 at NCR Country Club’s South Course.
Buckeye Valley used a strong back-nine performance of 150 to shoot a 316 on Oct. 6. Kettering Alter (314) is in first place and seeking its fourth consecutive state title, while the Barons are trying for their first championship.
“We played well today,” coach Mark Paluszak said. “It was tough conditions. Where some of these pin placements were, I was watching kids putt balls off the green and three- and four-putts on holes. We started off slow, but man did we have a heck of a back nine.”
After shooting 39 on the front nine, Reynolds rallied with a 33 on the back and finished at 2-over par 72, three shots ahead of Alter’s Andrew Gochenouer.
“I couldn’t believe with the start we had that we got where we’re at, especially me,” Reynolds said. “I thought I would maybe break 80, but the back nine was really good to me, a lot of birdies.”
Harlow Hafner and Jake Haunhorst each shot 80 for Buckeye Valley, ahead of Matthew Ralph (84) and Grayson Keller (93).
The Barons reached state by winning a district championship Oct. 1 at Turnberry, denying Columbus Academy a ninth consecutive district title and state berth.
Paluszak believes his team will be ready to challenge Alter in the second round.
“Weather conditions are supposed to be horrible overnight,” he said. “Supposed to be thunderstorms in the morning. You probably have to shoot about a 310 and you should be in contention.”
Westfall is eighth (339) after the first day. Brendan Biegler shot a 79 to lead the Mustangs.
Competing as an individual after earning medalist honors at district, Northridge’s Ben Hoover shot an 85.
“It’s a big thing for him and it’s a very difficult golf course,” Northridge coach Sam Romine said. “He had some great shots. He made some good putts. He hung in there and I was really happy with his play overall and his focus. … I told him to have fun out there tomorrow, enjoy it and take the positives and move forward.”
High school sports reporter Frank DiRenna can be reached at [email protected] and at @DispatchFrank on X.
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