Cheney golf begins season at Clarkston Invite

Both Cheney boy’s and girls’ golf teams are in full swing, having competed in the March 13 Clarkston Invite.

The boys finished eighth out of 10 teams with 373 points. The girls finished 10th with 548.

Tyler Koohns shot 79 to lead Cheney and was six strokes behind tournament winner, Gonzaga Prep’s Nate Plaster, who finished with 73. Koohns, who competed in last year’s state tournament, and was a first-team All-Great Northern League selection, returns for his junior season.

Other top finishers for the boys include Thomas Baycroft (87), Nate Koohns (100), Ian Hill (107) and Logan Klauss (117).

Baycroft, a state alternate and second-team All-GNL selection, along with Hill, Klauss, Carter Rowe, Jack Kallem and Donovan Hart return to the links for the Blackhawks.

Boy’s head coach Jeff Pike said weather conditions have forced players to have limited practices on the Fairways Golf Course range.

“Most of the returners practiced on simulators and took lessons in the offseason,” he added.

Pike singled out Baycroft and Tyler Koohns as players who “should improve from last year” as well as freshman Nate Koohns who “should have an opportunity to qualify for the state tournament as well.”

“We are still adding to the team this month as we start to go to the course,” Pike said. “I expect we could be in contention for a GNL title this season with our potential talent level of players.”

On the girls’ side, Kelsey Smith led the Blackhawks with 128 points. Other finishers for Cheney include Hannah Lemelin (131), Melissa Aris (148), Kat Ljubicic (149) and Kayla Singler (152).

Head coach Gerald Morton said it was not the best start for his team “weather wise,” however participation is up from previous years.

“Thirty-two girls signed to play golf this year, which doubles the largest team I have ever had,” Morton said. “I think the more girls that play the more the word gets out just how much fun this game is.”

The girls’ roster includes 16 freshmen, as well as several returners, including Lemelin, Singer, Ljubicic, Ashlynn Wood and Smith, who was second-team All-GNL and a state alternate.

Both teams will compete in the first Great Northern League match at Clarkston at Quail Ridge Golf Course today (March 23).

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].