DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
DECATUR – The 2023-24 high school athletic season in Z-Land began early Tuesday on a picturesque morning at Cross Creek, with six schools playing 18 holes to kick off their season. Norwell dominated the event and took the top two individual awards, shooting 369 to beat the hosts by 50 strokes.
The story of the day was outstanding rounds by the top two players for Norwell, with No. 2 Ellie Gatton edging out No. 1 Anna Dodane for medalist honors by a stroke with an 86 on an even 43-43 day.
Playing with a bit of dew on the front nine, it was an enjoyable morning of golf to start the year, with many teams set to play 18 again later in the week.
Bellmont was led by a great front nine and a 94 overall by Ella Hockemeyer, while senior Krosbi Butler finished well with a 47 on the back nine to just miss out on breaking 100 with a 102.
Adams Central’s top two players – Kate Mosser and Emilee Hirschy – were both better as the day went on and finished with respectable scores of 108 and 104 respectively.
“It’s all about getting started,” noted Adams Central head coach as he watched his girls navigate the difficult 18th hole at Cross Creek. “It’s a great way to start the season with 36 holes in two days.”
Veteran Bellmont coach Mike Macke was also pleased with his team’s opening performance and found plenty of ways for his girls to quickly improve.
“Overall, it’s a pretty good effort to get second,” said Macke Tuesday night. “A lot of good holes and shots from everyone for the first time out.”
The second-place finish was a bit more impressive considering the Braves put freshman Morgan Huss out at No. 5 as they await Abigail Blythe to gain eligibility with enough official practices.
Braves No. 1 Meghan Pettibone struggled early to find opportunities for par, but the normally consistent player is destined for better fortunes at Wabash Valley Wednesday.
“It’s a rough start to her senior year, but I am confident she will bounce back,” said Macke.
The coach also noted that Hockemeyer’s 41 on the front was the best nine-hole score of any competitor in the event. Outside of the fourth hole, where she went out of bounds with her opening shot, the sophomore played the other eight holes on the front at just +2.
As noted in WZBD’s preview of the team, Macke felt that Butler’s healthy knee made a big difference on her ability to play 18 holes to the best of her ability.
The coach admitted that Norwell’s early showing means the Knights are going to be a contender for the NE8 title this year.
High school golf coverage on WZBD.com continues with Wednesday’s invitational at South Adams.
Team Scores
Norwell 369
Bellmont 419
Bluffton 429
Adams Central 459
Jay County 491
Garrett 499
Top 15 Individuals
Ellie Gatton-N 86
Anna Dodane-N 87
Emma Schwartz-Blf 92
Ella Hockemeyer-B 94
Savanna Simerman-N 96
Eva Corkwell-Blf 100
Emmy Heaston-N 100
Krosbi Butler-B 102
Nevada Lenwell-N 103
Emilee Hirschy-AC 104
Meghan Pettibone-B 106
Madelynn Snow-JC
Kate Mosser-AC 108
Abbi Werling-G 112
Emmah Moody-G 114
Bellmont Scores
No. 1-Meghan Pettibone 106
No. 2-Ella Hockemeyer 94
No. 3-Krosbi Butler 102
No. 4-Addi Johnson 117
No. 5-Morgan Huss 126
Adams Central Scores
No. 1-Kate Mosser 108
No. 2-Emilee Hirschy 105
No. 3-Lilly Hurst 125
No. 4-Sophie Johnson 122
No. 5-Mel Eicher 133
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