KALONA

Battling the elements along with their competition, Mid-Prairie boys golf hosted West Branch last Monday for a conference dual.

Getting the better of the Golden Hawks after nine holes played, the Bears picked up a 163-175 conference victory.

“The golfers battled through cold and windy conditions against a very good West Branch team.  Although we didn’t score as well as last week, I thought we played ok,” Mid-Prairie coach Kelby Bender said. “The conditions were tough and we knew scoring was going to be difficult. It just seemed like a hole or two cost each golfer a couple of strokes.”

West Branch put together an impressive team performance which included medalist and runner-up medalist honors. It was a sophomore surge at the top of the individual leaderboards as the second-year trio of Bryce Anderson (36), McGavin Smith (40), and Sawyer Jefferies (42) placed first, second, and third respectively. 

Keeping with the theme, Mid-Prairie also had a sophomore lead the way with Denver Nelson shooting a 42 to tie for third place. Bouncing back from some adversity in the early holes, Nelson sunk in three pars along with two birdies.

“I thought Denver played really well today,” coach Bender said. “A couple bad shots cost him a couple strokes but didn’t let it bother him. He bounced back and made two very good birdies.”

With twin scores of 44, both Clayton Davidson and Ace Peck tied for fifth. Grayson Gingerich was the next highest placing Hawk as the sophomore shot a 45 to tie for seventh.

Juniors Hudson Ehrenfelt and Bryce Henry produced the final scores for Mid-Prairie with Ehrenfelt ending with 46 to tie for ninth place and Henry placing 12th with 49.

Up next for Mid-Prairie is going on the road to face off against Tipton on April 14.