What the Center Grove boys golf team accomplished last week means nothing a month from now.
Or does it?
On Saturday, the Trojans played in the State Preview at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel.
But they didn’t just play. They won.
A regular-season showcase featuring some the state’s top teams, the State Preview included state powers Carmel, Noblesville and defending state champion Westfield.
Second-ranked Center Grove not only won but did so fairly convincingly.
Led by junior Ethan Shepherd and sophomore Noah Gillard, the Trojans finished four strokes better than runner-up Carmel, 289 to 293. Westfield was a distant third at 298, followed by Noblesville (303) and Homestead (307).
Shepherd shot a blistering 4-under par 68 in picking up medalist honors. Gillard was right behind with a 3-under 69.
Sophomore Sam Jean and freshman Logan Anderson each shot 76. Senior Jackson Williams carded a 79.
But here’s the scary part. At least for Center Grove’s postseason challengers.
Prairie View is the site of the June 14 and 15 IHSAA Boys Golf State Finals. The Trojans outclassed the State Preview competition despite the fact Jean, Anderson and Williams were playing the course for the very first time.
And Gillard wasn’t feeling particularly well.
“We played very well for it being a learning experience for three of the boys,” Center Grove coach Jim Williams said. “All three boys posted scores in the 70s, and the other two in the upper 60s was a great effort.
“I would have to say that it was the best outing of the season for us. Noah was battling strep throat, and Ethan was in the zone.”
Whether the Trojans can replicate or top the performance at the state finals remains to be seen. But this is much certain: they don’t call it the State Preview for nothing.
Center Grove stood out on the impressive stage.
Cubs sweep invitational
On the track and field front, the Franklin Community High School boys and girls teams swept the team titles Saturday at the eight-team Jennings County Invitational.Franklin edged Roncalli 128 to 126 on the boys side. The Grizzly Cubs girls breezed by runner-up Roncalli, 163 to 121.5.
Franklin junior Sam Barnett was named the Male Athlete of the Meet. He earned victories in the 110 high hurdles and 300 intermediate hurdles was fourth in the long jump.
Greenwood sophomore Hanna Anderson was named Female Athlete of the Meet after winning the 100- and 200-meter sprints.
Greenwood finished fourth in the girls team standings. The Woodmen boys were sixth.
FC athletes earn honors
Franklin College junior Ethan Caldwell and sophomore teammate Alex Hammer, a Greenwood graduate, have been named to the first-team All-Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Men’s Tennis Team.Sophomore Kyle Sauley was named honorable mention, and Nathan Beasley, a Franklin Community High School graduate, was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team.
