Wilks, Bull Dogs win sectional; East takes second

The Columbus North boys golfers won the Greensburg Sectional Friday at Greensburg Country Club. Pictured are, from left, assistant coach David Lacey, Willy Davis, John Merritt, Tyler Wilks, Brady Schneider, Jack Schiavello and head coach Doug Bieker.

GREENSBURG — It was a bit of redemption for Tyler Wilks.

After not playing in the sectional for Columbus North last year, Wilks took full advantage of his opportunity this year when he fired a 1-over par 71 to win medalist honors and help the 16th-ranked Bull Dogs in win the Greensburg Sectional championship with a 292 Friday at Greensburg Country Club.

Columbus East finished runner-up with a 310, with Shelbyvile finishing third with a 326 to advance to the Providence Regional at Champions Pointe in Henryville on Thursday. Hauser finished ninth with a 365.

Wilks edged teammate Jack Schiavello, and Pierce Arnholt of the Olympians, who each carded 72s. Wilks said he had an idea he’d be in mix of winning the individual title, but after bogeying the 17th hole, he put the doubts away with a birdie on No. 18.

“It means a lot,” Wilks said. “I didn’t get to play last year. Winning this is another steppingstone for the next tournament, so hopefully, I can medal again.”

Other scores for North included Brady Schneider, who finished with a 74, John Merritt (75) and Willy Davis (76).

“The guys really played well from start to finish. They played pretty consistent,” North coach Doug Bieker said. “The guys played well. I can’t fault them anywhere around. We did what we needed to do today. I was happy for the seniors, and specifically really happy for Tyler Wilks. He came out with something to prove, and I’m really thrilled for him that he’s succeeded.”

Carter Greene carded a 77 for the Olympians. Jamall Starks finished with a 78, Spencer Erfmeier added an 83 and Ben Luedeke had an 88.

“They did really well. They hung in there. Early on, it was a bit of a stuggle, but they did hang in there and turned it around,” East coach Keith VanDeventer said. “We’ve been improving as we keep going, and it is really nice to see.”

Caleb Wallace finished with an 84 to lead the Jets. Hunter Pappano shot an 86, Brenden Burton carded a 93, Sam Hoene had a 102 and Marshall Moody finished with a 105.

South Decatur’s Ayden Billingsley competed as an individual and carded a 117.