Melby wins it all as Lakeside closes out Sand Greens era in style

MANKATO — Bentley Melby made it eight in a row.

The Pike Valley freshman capped a near-perfect season Monday at Mankato Country Club, shooting a 1-under-par 67 to claim the individual title at the KSHSAA Sand Greens state meet. It was the final edition of the 85-year tournament, and Melby made sure he had the last word.

Melby led by one heading into the final hole, then drained a par putt while Lakeside's Eli Schmitt bogeyed to seal a two-stroke win. Clifton-Clyde's Parker Knoettgen also finished at 69, tying Schmitt for second.

Schmitt had been within striking distance for much of the round but ran into trouble on Nos. 7 and 9, where errant drives led to bogeys. He finished runner-up at 69.

Melby picked up his first clubs around age three and got serious about the game around 12, becoming a regular at the Belleville grass greens course. Two years ago he watched Jace Cunningham win the Sand Greens individual title at Tipton. Now he holds one himself, finishing his freshman year with eight straight tournament wins.

Lakeside wins sixth straight team title

While Melby grabbed the individual spotlight, Lakeside wrapped up its dynasty with a 292 to win the team title by 18 shots over runner-up Beloit-St. John's. It was the Knights' sixth consecutive Sand Greens team championship.

Schmitt led the way with a 69. Coby Cline finished fourth (70), Tatum Miller tied for eighth (76) and Ryker Remus tied for 12th (77).

Miller had the top score among the girls in the field and closed her career as a top-10 medalist. Cline put together a strong finish, birdieing and eagling late after going 5-over through 14 holes.

Other top finishers

Knoettgen made four birdies in his round of 69. Lincoln's Clay Bates finished fifth at 74. Rock Hills' Ethan Wirth earned his third career top-10 finish, tying Beloit-St. John's Carson Thomas for sixth at 75. Beloit-St. John's Eli Mick, Lincoln's Kadin Schneider, Chase County's Caleb Dexter and Miller tied for eighth at 76.

Host Rock Hills finished third as a team with a 314, four shots behind Beloit-St. John's.