JOPLIN, MO – The Neosho Wildcats took the top spot as a team with the top three individual performances to win the Joplin High School Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday at Twin Hills Country Club.
The Wildcats claimed the team title with an impressive score of 315. The par-72 course (36-36) leaderboard was followed by Lockwood (344), Fort Scott (345), Joplin (348), and Carthage (350).
INDIVIDUAL STANDOUTS
The tournament’s individual title came down to a dramatic playoff, where Neosho’s Colby Schadwick emerged victorious. Schadwick carded a 77 (39-36), tying with teammate Conner Reiboldt (40-37), but clinched the win on the first playoff hole. Neosho’s Jaxon Ertel also shone, finishing third overall with a 78 (38-40). Max Combs and Camp Ramsey added to Neosho’s dominance, each posting an 83 (41-42) and 85 (45-40), respectively, tying for 11th and 18th places.
Joplin’s top performer was Toby Ipsen, who tied for ninth with an 83 (42-41). Jordan Bozarth followed with an 84 (44-40), placing 13th, while Ben Delman scored a 90 (47-43) to finish 34th. Grey Edwards and Taylor McMillian rounded out Joplin’s efforts with 91 (44-47) and 92 (45-47), respectively.
Carthage’s Luke Lewis matched Ipsen’s 83 (44-39), tying for 11th, while Micah Brust posted an 85 (41-44) to tie for 15th. Cael Perry scored an 87 (44-43), placing 22nd, and Ethan Scott finished with a 95 (49-46), landing 44th. Jack Carlton closed Carthage’s scoring with a 99 (49-50).
Nevada’s Mason Majors and Peyton Wyant both carded 83s (37-46 and 41-42), tying for eighth and ninth, respectively. Preston Drake added an 85 (43-42), tying for 18th, while Cooper Pennington scored an 84 (41-43), tying for 13th. Isaac Irwin finished with an 87 (42-45), placing 22nd, and Payton Talley and Wyatt Jenkins each posted scores of 96 (51-45) and 97 (47-50).
McAuley’s Rylan Childers led his team with a 97 (47-50), finishing 51st. Collin Schmitt scored a 104 (50-54), placing 61st, followed by Luke Mollnow with a 108 (50-58) and Kayden Williams with a 111 (54-57). Connor Taffner rounded out McAuley’s effort with a 126 (65-61).
The Twin Hills course challenged players with its par-72 layout, and the event showcased promising talent from the region’s high school golf programs. Neosho’s triumph sets a high bar as teams prepare for upcoming tournaments this season.