McCain’s best leads Golden Hawks golfers

The Golden Hawk girls and boys golf teams finished play this week before the postseason starts.

On a beautiful Tuesday night, Mid-Prairie’s boys shot the third-lowest nine-hole team score of the season. At Kalona, Mid-Prairie senior Dominic McCain closed out his high school regular season career as Mid-Prairie shot 182, West Liberty 203 and Hillcrest 211.

McCain went out in style by carding a personal-best even-par round of 36 with five pars and two bogeys. His round was highlighted by consecutive birdies on Holes 3 and 4.

Drew Schlabaugh had a 46, Aiden Bush 48, Ben Mattes 52 for the Golden Hawks.

Hillcrest’s scores were Jace Rempel 46, Luke Schrock 51, Josiah Beachy 56 and London Schrock 58.

“Dominic has been a great senior leader,” coach Kelby Bender said. “It was great to see the team play well at home and close out the regular season with the victory.”

In Class 3A for the first time under Bender’s coaching, Mid-Prairie plays Friday at Pine Knolls Golf Course in Knoxville.

The Golden Hawk girls finished second at Blue Top Ridge in Riverside with a season-low team score of 214 Tuesday behind West Branch with 210. Wilton followed with 228 and West Liberty 234.

Madelyn Bender continued her strong play for Mid-Prairie with a runner-up medalist finish of 51. Madi Davidson and Alexa Huber each posted a 53. Gabi Robertson and Elliot Debler each shot 57.

"What a great way to finish the regular season and warm up for regionals on Monday,“ Mid-Prairie coach Tracy McArtor said.

Monday against Durant at Wahkonsa Golf Course, Mid-Prairie’s boys lost 188-196.

McCain was again the meet medalist, carding a 41 that started with a birdie-4 on the par-5 first hole. He has been the medalist at five meets this season.

Schlabaugh tied for third with a 45 with the help of a chip-in birdie 3 from just off the green. Rounding out the scoring was Ben Mattes at 54 and Ian Schmidt with a 56.

A single stroke separated the Golden Hawk girls from Durant Monday at Kalona, 221-222.

Bender was runner-up medalist with a 51 followed by Davidson with a season-low 53 despite a 10 on one hole. Huber shot 56 and Robertson 62.

"Amazing how it can come down to that one shot that wins or loses a meet, but a good learning experience for the girls to see that saving a single shot here or there during the round is all it takes,“ McArtor said.