4A State Golf: Wichita Collegiate wins 17th State title

CHENEY -- Fort Scott High School junior Jonathan Allen shot 45 on the front nine and 41 on the back to finish with an 86 at the Class 4A State Golf Tournament at Cherry Oaks Golf Course here Monday.

That score tied for 70 out of 106 golfers at the tournament.

"Jonathan did not play his best round of the year," Fort Scott head coach Ken Klassen said. "He was 8 strokes over par after only three holes due to some unfortunate breaks around a water hazard. But he pulled himself together and fought hard the remainder of the round.

"He had several putts that lipped out as well as several unfortunate lies in a very difficult, long rough. He remained focused and positive even in the midst of whatever befell him. He's a credit to our team and school. Not only did Jonathan win the SEK individually, he always maintained the competitive, yet mannerly demeanor that well characterizes Fort Scott High School athletics. I look forward to his returning to the State tournament next year."

Iola's Kaden Macha won the individual title with his 38-34--72, winning playoffs against Camron Chugg of Wichita Collegiate (37-35) and Montana Fasching of Kansas City-Piper (37-35).

The highest-finishing Southeast Kansas League golfer was Independence's Keenan Nutt, who tied for 17th at 39-38--77 with six others. The top 20 finishers, including ties, earn medals.

Wichita Collegiate won its 17th State golf title -- its first since moving up from Class 3A last season -- with a team score of 299. Kansas City-Piper, the defending champions, finished second at 305 with Topeka Hayden third at 316 following a tie-breaker with Buhler, which had the same score.

Independence finished sixth at 325 following a tie-breaker with Hesston. Labette County was 10th at 334.