Williamsburg dominates Wamac West girls’ golf tournament

Todd Subbert has coached at Williamsburg for 14 seasons.

Not even the veteran girls’ golf coach could have expected how the Raiders dominated the field at the Wamac West divisional meet Monday at Amana Colonies Golf Course. Not only did Williamsburg capture the title again, it won by 26 strokes.

The most impressive feat, however, was finishing first through sixth in the individual standings led by freshman medalist Jaisel Bott.

“It was kind of the perfect storm,” Subbert said. “We played pretty well and some kids didn’t play as well as they wanted. It worked out for us.

“Never in our wildest dreams would we have anticipated that it would turn out like that.”

The Raiders have experienced plenty of success, winning all but two events this season. They ranked among the best Class 2A teams in scoring and have their sights set on another state meet trip after placing seventh in 2019.

“Our kids have been pretty consistent,” Subbert said. “It’s a credit to our girls.”

Williamsburg ranks first in nine-hole adjusted average (186.51), fourth in 18-hole adjusted average (393.40) and fourth with a 190.22 combined adjusted average.

Balance and depth have been a characteristic of Williamsburg golf. The Wamac West meet proved that once again. Bott shot 50 with teammates shooting 50, 51, 52, 52 and 53. All-conference senior Ellie Phillips leads the team with a 47.26 combined adjusted average. Junior Teagan Schaefer is next at 47.43 and Jayden Kennebeck is right behind at 47.51 Bott comes in under 51 as well.

“Year in and year out that’s kind of what we’ve done,” Subbert said. “We’ll have some good ones that can shoot kind of low but most of the time our strength is our top to bottom is pretty tight, kind of like that. We can always be around 50 or under and our depth has kind of been the strength of our program.”

Williamsburg will attempt to continue a strong postseason tradition that includes three state appearances since 2015. The Raiders are determined to make a return trip. One that was denied them with last season’s cancellation.

“I know a lot of them that would have played last year were bummed they didn’t get to go again,” Subbert said. “That is something we look at every year. It’s definitely a goal.”

In the Wamac East meet Monday at Machester Golf Club, Marion’s Jordyn Lang tied for the round’s lowest score. She carded 44, matching Solon’s Camryn Keith. West Delaware won the team race with 189.

East Buchanan boys claim Tri-Rivers title

East Buchanan won the Tri-Rivers Conference boys’ golf tournament in convincing fashion as well. The Buccaneers posted a team total of 311 at their home course of Buffalo Creek Golf Course in Winthrop, topping runner-up Edgewood-Colesburg by 30.

Harley Nelson fired an even-par 70 for medalist honors to lead the Buccaneers. Teammate Trey Johnson was second with 77, while Ben Hesner tied for third with 81.

Postseason assignments

Sites and groupings have been released for sectional and district meets. Postseason play begins next week with a few sectionals Thursday, May 13 with most on Friday, May 14. District competition is set for the following week.

Marion will compete in a Class 3A sectional at Wildcat Golf Course hosted by Vinton-Shellsburg. The field includes Anamosa, Benton Community, Center Point-Urbana, Maquoketa, Monticello and Mount Vernon.

Iowa City Regina will travel to a 1A sectional at Heritage Oaks Country Club in Wapello. The Regals will face Durant, Louisa-Muscatine, Mediapolis, Tipton, West Branch, West Liberty and Wilton.