The top three teams were separated by just a single stroke at Saturday’s annual Bi-County Invitational and it was the Norwell Knights who finished just one stroke ahead of Bluffton and Bellmont for the coveted title.
Norwell’s play on the Front Nine was ultimately the difference in the tournament, as they registered all four players at +6 or better for a 158. Derek Smith finished fourth overall with a 79 to lead the team.
Medalist individual honors went to Adams Central’s Drew Johnson, who shot 76 on his home course of Wabash Valley. Playing the Front Nine at +5, Johnson stormed back on the Back Nine and played the finest golf of the morning. Johnson made birdies on No. 11 and No. 13 to finish at even par on the Back.
Bellmont’s Owen Minnick also shot a 76, but lost the tiebreaker for medalist honors. He shot par on the front, but was five over on the back – the opposite of Johnson. Minnick birdied No. 7 on his way to an even-par front.
Jacob Binegar finished right behind his teammate, Minnick, for third place with a 79. Binegar also played well on the front, shooting a +1 37.
Teams and Scores:
Norwell 327 – Derek Smith 79, Cavin Smithley 86, Phil Gaier 80, Zach Herrell 89, Isaiah Goeglein 82
Bluffton 328 – Declan Grieser 81, Reid Abbett 83, Rafe Gerber 84, Conner Klopfenstein 80, Gibson Grieser 88
Bellmont 328 – Owen Minnick 76, Camerson Summers 86, Jacob Binegar 79, Chase Baker 87, Carson Manley 93
Adams Central 352 – Drew Johnson 76, Mavrick Becher 91, Brody Isch 96, Trace Maller 93, Jaret Smith 92
South Adams 354 – London Warner 86, Noah Hunley 90, Hal Ringger 88, Drew Subler 90, Brock Sprunger 100
Southern Wells 407 – Dirk Frauhiger 94, Cash Banter 94, Joshua Aulbach 109, Bryson Michael 110
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