JOPLIN, MO — The New Heights Christian Academy boys golf team etched their names into school history by qualifying for the Class 1 state tournament for the first time as a team after finishing second place at the Class 1 District 3 Tournament at Schifferdecker Golf Course.
The Cougars finished with a score of 339, securing their spot among the top four teams advancing to state.
New Heights Christian’s Historic Triumph
New Heights Christian’s breakthrough performance was anchored by a balanced team effort, with four golfers posting scores in the 80s.
Senior Logan Decker led the way, carding an impressive 80 to finish 10th overall, just five strokes off the individual leaders. Junior Corbin Cronenwett followed closely with an 84, tying for 15th, while senior Hudson Clevenger (87) and freshman Nixon Maningas (88) each 21st and 22nd, respectively. Senior Gavin Doll rounded out the team’s scoring with a 93, tying for 32nd.
Lockwood (317) took first place in the team standings.
Thomas Jefferson’s Twiss Shines Individually
Thomas Jefferson sophomore Jack Twiss delivered a standout performance, firing a 76 to claim third place individually and earn a state qualification. Twiss’s round closed just one stroke behind co-leaders Easton Cossins and Kolton Kleeman of Lockwood (both 75).
Other Thomas Jefferson golfers included sophomore Sawyer McKinney (109, tied for 55th), senior Teo Chevillard (118, tied for 74th), and senior Mayson Solum (137, 86th).
McAuley Catholic’s Young Talent Shows Promise
McAuley Catholic, finishing ninth with a team score of 398, was led by sophomore Rylan Childers, who posted an 88 to tie for 22nd. Freshman Luke Mollnow and sophomore Collin Schmitt each scored 99, tying for 44th, while juniors Connor Taffner and freshman Kayden Williams each carded 112, tying for 62nd.