Darren Kinnard/River Radio Sports Central
NORMAL — A good problem to have.
That’s the best way to describe the disappointment of another state runner up finish for the Benton Rangers boys golf team. For the third time in the last four years and the sixth time in the past 20 years, the Rangers finished second, this time finishing behind 2A state champion Ottawa Township.
The Rangers started Saturday’s final round tied for third, 15 shots behind the eventual state champs.
Led by the senior trio of River Stilley, Kash Cantrell, and Lincoln Thomas, Reggie Norman’s bunch certainly made things interesting on day two, pulling within five shots on the back nine. The Rangers could get no closer, finishing seven shots back with a two-day team score of 616.
Individually, Stilley was one of only five golfers to break par on day two, tying the day’s best round with a 2-under 69.
After an incredible approach from 170 yards from the rough on 18, Stilley just missed a 12-foot birdie putt–a birdie putt that would’ve put him in a four-way playoff for medalist honors. Instead, Stilley finished tied for fourth at one under.
Cantrell finished tied for 21st with a score of 153 after a 4-over 75 on Saturday. Thomas finished tied for 36th wiwth a score of 157 after a final round 5-over 76.
Sophomore Sawyer Wilkinson and freshman twins Chance and Trey Norman all finished tied for 73rd with 171s.
