HS State Golf Friday: Hiland boys, Marlington girls lead Division III tourney after Day 1

Hiland’s boys’ golf team is eighteen holes away from finishing what they started last season.

The Hawks are the leaders after the first day of the Division III State Golf Tournament at The Ohio State University’s Scarlet Course.

Brookston Hummel shot a 74 (+3) that included a 1-under-par 35 on the front nine and a 4-over 39 on the back to lead the Hawks, while Carter Mishler (77, +6), Garret Shoup (78, +7), and Kenny Weaver (81, +10) also contributed to the Hawks’ Day 1 total of 310 (+26).

Hummel’s score was third-best among all individual golfers, behind leader Worthington Christian’s Sam Evans (37-33-70) and Harrold Allen East’s Zach Miller (34-39-73).

Hiland will go for what would be its second team state title in school history, and second in three years after the Hawks finished second to Canton Central Catholic in 2020.

Sitting two shots behind the Hawks is Gates Mills Gilmour Academy, who fired a 316 (+28) total headed by Alex Swinarski’s 75 (+4).

Tuscarawas Valley individual Connor Gardner shot a 12-over 83 to finish tied for 34th among individuals.

DIVISION II GIRLS

While the Hawks will look to build on their solid first day, Marlington High School’s girls will go for a potential first state championship in school history after their 317 (+37) finish on Day 1 on Ohio State’s Gray Course.

The Lady Dukes were led by a 3-over 73 by Maria Warner, who was followed by Zoe Mort (76, +6), Kayden Mitchell (79, +9), and Kelsey Nieman (89, +19). Warner is currently tied for 2nd in the individual standings with Shelby’s Nicoles Jones, who both stand behind Day 1 leader Ella Wong (71, +1) from Gates Mills Hawken.

Marlington holds a one-shot lead over Lima Central Catholic (318, +38), as well as a 25-shot lead over two teams: Thornville Sheridan and Garaway, who each totaled 342 (+62).

The latter team was led by Sammi Miller, who carded a 10-over 80 for her first eighteen. The Pirates also received qualifying scores from Sydni Prysi (83, +13), Brooklyn Numbers (88, +18), and Olivia Immel (91, +21).

Along with Gardner, Tuscarawas Valley was represented by Susan Thompson, who posted an 11-over 81 to finished tied-for-17th into Saturday.