“It stayed in my house one night, then in my classroom because I’ve been trying to recruit some kids,” Barnes said of Milton’s second league title in school history and first since 2011. “ ‘Hey, look at this. You can be part of this.’ I’ve got one or two interested. We’ll see.”
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That number could grow with even more success this week. Milton-Union carries that momentum into the Division II sectional golf tournament at Springfield’s Reid Park North on Tuesday. The top four teams and the top four individuals not on a qualifying team advance to next week’s district tournament.
The Reid Park field features standout teams like defending champion Graham, Benjamin Logan, Kenton Ridge and Greeneview among others. Gone from this year’s field, however, are Anna and Waynesville. Both of those teams qualified for district last season.
“I think we can sneak into a fourth spot if we play really well,” Barnes said.
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Senior Justin Brown leads Milton as its No. 1 golfer. He shot 84 to lead the Bulldogs at the SWBL at Beechwood Golf Course last Thursday. Junior Max Grafflin – whose father Andy guided the ’Dogs to the first league title in 2011 – shot 90. He was followed by sophomore Nathan Thompson’s 93 and freshman Grady Vechazone’s 99. Junior Sam Case and Vechazone often flip back and forth as Milton’s No. 5.
Milton’s 366 at league edged out Waynesville’s 369. Carlisle shot 378. All three teams entered the SWBL tournament tied at 5-1. Carlisle, Middletown Madison and Waynesville combined to win the last seven titles. The Bulldogs felt confident they could give that group a run this season.
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“Younger kids like Nathan Thompson, who ended up our No. 2 guy, he improved so much. Max Grafflin has really been steady all year,” said Barnes, whose team set a school record for wins at 16-4. “I thought with those guys if we could get a fourth scorer we could have a chance. Grady Vechazone and Sam Case go back and forth.
“It came down to who was more steady that day. We had a really steady day. It wasn’t special or anything. We shot our average and saw what happened.”
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The Bulldogs are hoping for similar results on Tuesday, especially for Brown. He’s been in contention as an individual district qualifier the past two seasons. He finished one shot out of fourth place in 2018 and was four shots back in 2017.
“Justin is really confident and feels like this is his year,” Barnes said. “He’s been a great leader for us. He’s honestly been our best golfer for the last two years.
“They always want to do the best they can. Confidence-wise, I hope they remember what they did last week and can take it into Tuesday. I’d really like an opportunity for these guys to play together again.”
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The boys sectional tournament is held at various area locations. PipeStone hosts a D-II sectional on Wednesday, while Sidney’s Shelby Oaks and Greenville’s Turtle Creek host D-III action on Tuesday.
In girls sectional action, Xenia’s WGC hosted D-II on Monday. PipeStone and Stillwater Valley in Versailles host D-II sectionals on Wednesday.
The boys and girls D-I sectional is next week.
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