Prep Golf: Survive & Advance

The prep golf season will extend for at least one more round for Harrisburg's Ryan Williams and Ben Fowler.

The duo posted a pair of 81's at Tuesday's IHSA Class 2A Centralia Regional, finishing in a three-way tie for fifth overall and will now advance to Monday's Sectional at Acorn Golf Links in Waterloo.

The Harrisburg golf team as a whole - didn't fair as well - finishing fifth out of 11 teams, shooting a 338 and nine strokes off from advancing as a team.

Centralia won the event with a team total 320, while Mt. Vernon was second with a 326. Salem grabbed the last available team spot with a 328.

Harrisburg head coach Michael Tison said it was a two-club wind most of the day on a course that his Bulldogs just weren't that familiar with.

"It's not one that has been in our rotation," Tison said. "We were set to play at Hickory Ridge, but were later bumped and just didn't have time to familiarize ourselves with the course that much.

"Ryan and Ben didn't play their best," Tison said. "They did play solid, however, and didn't make many mistakes."

Patrick Bittle shot an 87 for Harrisburg and Garret Jenkins rounded out the scoring with a 90 for the Bulldogs.

"Our boys had a great year, but (Tuesday) just wasn't our day and that's the way it worked out," Tison added. "One-and-done is tough in golf, like it is any sport, but I expect Ryan and Ben to rise to the occasion in Sectionals."

Team Scores

1. Centralia 320

2. Mt. Vernon 326

3. Salem 328

4. Benton 334

5. Harrisburg 339

6. Lawrenceville 342

7 Mt. Carmel 343

8. West Frankfort 350

9. Herrin 373

10. Olney East Richland 378

Medalist

Jackson Horton (MTV) 75

Advancing Individuals

Derek Oxford (BEN) 77

Zach Breault (LAW) 78

Blake Golden (MTC) 79

Gehrig Wynn (BEN) 79

Ryan Williams (HBG) 81

Ben Fowler (HBG) 81

Tanner Gray (LAW) 81

Keegan Easley (WF) 82

Lucas Wilson (WF) 84

T.J. Broy (WF) 86