BLOOMINGTON – Bedford North Lawrence, for the first time in three years, qualified for the second stage of the IHSAA state tournament series.
The Stars saved their best for the postseason, carding a season-best team score of 308 to finish second in the sectional at Cascades on Monday. The top three teams, plus the top three individuals who are not members of qualifying teams, advanced to the regional at Country Oaks on Thursday.
Bloomington South won its 11th straight sectional title with a team total of 306, while Bloomington North grabbed the third qualifying spot with 312.
Ending the postseason drought was the top priority for BNL, which finished second in 2022. Playing Cascades for the third time in competition this season was a charm for the Stars.
“I knew we were a capable of it, and it came at the right time,” BNL coach Trey Turner said. “It was putting everything together and playing the way we need to play. I was proud that we didn’t blow up when we had a couple of bogeys. They stayed focused. It feels good. We prepared really well and we went in with the right mindset. We did a great job of that.”
Evan Tillett, a freshman in his first sectional, paced the Stars with 1-under 70. He opened with birdies on the first two holes and finished with four birdies (including the 10th and 14th holes).
“I started hot and maintained that momentum through the round,” Tillett said. “I tried to keep my head in the game the whole time, tried to keep my mental focus. I got the putter rolling, so it was a good day.”
“He switched drivers on Saturday, which I don’t recommend before a tournament, but I don’t think he missed a fairway that I saw,” Turner said. “Fairways and greens lead to pretty good scores.”
Tyler Bellush (77), Parker Foddrill (80) and Drew McKee (81) capped the team scoring for BNL.
South’s Colton Watson medalist with 3-under 68 that included a sizzling 32 on the front nine. Seymour’s Zarik Black (74) and Kirby Tormoehlin (79), plus Edgewood’s Teigan Hulbert (79), advanced as individuals.
The top three teams in the regional, plus the top three individuals who are not members of advancing teams, will qualify for the state finals at Prairie View Golf Club on June 17-18.
IHSAA SECTIONAL
Monday at Cascades
Team scores
Bloomington South 306, BNL 308, Bloomington North 312, Seymour 321, Edgewood 322, Brownstown 333, Salem 348, Brown County 359, West Washington 362, Trinity Lutheran 377, Owen Valley 382, Lighthouse Christian 480
BNL scores – Tyler Bellush 77, Evan Tillett 70, Hudson Martin 82, Parker Foddrill 80, Drew McKee 81
