SUNBURY — Centerburg’s Bennett Hill is in the hunt.
Hill carded a 2-over 74 and is tied for fourth after the opening day of the Division III state tournament Friday at NorthStar Golf Club.
The start of Friday’s round was delayed by an hour because of frost. The late start didn’t seem to bother Hill, who teed off at 11:50 a.m. and birdied the first hole. He made the turn at 1-over 37.
The Trojans’ senior struggled briefly on the back nine, but recovered to shoot 37.
“It was a little rough on No. 12 and 13, but overall he’s pleased with the way he played,” Centerburg coach Nathan Altizer said. “He recovered and finished strong.”
Lucasville Valley’s Cameron Phillips shot a blistering 6-under 66, good for a five-stroke lead over Youngstown Mooney’s Alex Eckstein and Garaway’s Trace Gibson, who carded matching 71s. Botkins’ Ross Dietz and Minster’s Bryce Prenger matched Hill with 74s and are tied for fourth.
Garaway leads the chase for the team title with a 325. Warren JFK is second with a 328, while Kalida and Seven Hills are tied for third at 329.
Swirling winds made things difficult during Friday’s opening round.
“It was breezy, but the breeze was nothing like what it was during (Thursday’s) practice round,” Altizer said. “It made things challenging.”
Hill tees off Saturday at 10:50 a.m. Saturday.
“We’re hoping to finish strong,” Altizer said. “His goal is to be close to par in his second round.”