Conference golf preview: Hiland's postseason goals remain high

Simply put, Hiland has been of the premier boys' golf programs in the state over the past decade.

And despite the graduation of a handful of All-Ohio selections from last season's Division III state championship team, the Hawks have no intentions on letting that tradition stop anytime soon.

Hiland enters this week's Inter-Valley Conference Championships with the hopes of not only capturing another league title, but kick-starting another postseason to remember.

In the middle of all of that have been seniors Lucas Yoder and Nathan Kline, both of which were key role players in the Hawks recent run of state trips and have emerged as leaders this fall.

"Nathan and Lucas want the tradition we have established to continue and have been leading the team by practicing with them outside of the normal practice schedule," Hiland coach Austin Kaufman said. "They know that putting in the extra effort makes it hard to surrender to anyone in postseason play."

Yoder came into the month already averaging 12 strokes better in tournament play and two shots better in nine-hole matches from a year ago, while Kline has seen a seven-shot and two-shot improvement.

They aren't alone, as newcomers like Monty Coblentz, Camden Bille and Jack Mast each have provided solid support behind the two veterans.

"They are all strong competitors and are continuing to work hard on the parts of their games that will help them play well going forward," Kaufman said of the trio. "Their scores have been good enough to help advance our team to the state tournament and because of this, we will be confident as we play in future events."

The IVC Championships will take place this Thursday at Oak Shadows Golf Course in New Philadelphia, starting at 10 a.m.

Here's a look at the other league championships involving local teams:

Principals Athletic Conference

When: Monday, 9 a.m.

Where: Prestwick Country Club (3751 Glen Eagles Blvd, Uniontown)

Tyler Snyder was a key member of the Titans state-qualifying team a season ago. This fall, the senior has emerged as the team's leader and one of the top local golfers as he leads a young Triway roster.

Coming into the week, Snyder is one of three area golfers with a sub-80 average for 18-hole matches — averaging 79.2 — and has averaged a 40 for nine on some of the more challenging courses in the area.

The track at Prestwick won't be any different but, if history is any indication, Snyder will be able to find himself among the leaders.

Manchester finished the dual meet season undefeated and is expected to battle it out with CVCA for the team title.

Tuslaw has found itself in the middle of the conference standings but has two consistent leaders that gives it a chance every time out. Both Adam Sibila and Andrew Smith have been solid, while teammate Evan Back is also capable of going low.

Noah Mulpas of Orrville should also be among the locals competing for a top-20 finish as he has an invitational victory under his belt from earlier this season at Lyon's Den and was runner-up at The Pines last month.

Ohio Cardinal Conference

When: Thursday, 9 a.m.

Where: Mohican Hills Golf Club (25 County Road 1950, Jeromesville)

Winners of three-straight OCC titles, Ashland comes in as a favorite once again with a solid No. 1 in Kamden Mowry leading the charge.

Both West Holmes and Wooster each have a handful of individuals that could make the league race interesting, however.

The Knights' Trey Baker has been in the low 80s this season, while teammate Grady Toye has been equally as solid, especially in nine-hole dual matches (39.3). Baker, a second-team All-OCC selection in 2021, enters the week with 83.5 average for 18 holes.

Ian Snode and Jackson Readinger have led the way for the Generals, as each are within a shot of each other. Snode, who has a team-best 88.6 average, earned second-team all-league accolades last season.

Sam Fleming has added to Wooster's depth and has been coming on strong, along with Grady Hahn. Fleming fired a career-best 79 at the OCC Midseason Tournament at Shelby Crossing, while Hahn, a freshman, had a hole-on-one in a practice round, acing the 157-yard No. 12 at The Pines last month.

Wayne County Athletic League

When: Thursday, 8 a.m.

Where: Hawks Nest Golf Course (2800 E Pleasant Home Road, Creston)

Battle tested. That's a good way to describe what this season has been like for Dalton. Sure, the Bulldogs came into the season fresh off of their first state appearance in over two decades with a lot of talent back on the roster. But that success has led to Dalton getting the best shot from every team in the league, including scratching out a one-shot win over Northwestern and a two-stroke victory against Waynedale.

Veterans in Jaden Schlabach and Brendan Lehman have helped keep the Bulldogs atop to the county standings heading into this final week of the regular season, along with the play of fellow senior Todd Brahler. The group has provided leadership that coach Jeff Feller says has been key.

"This group of veterans have definitely shown an increase in focus from last season," he said. "They all have developed better mental toughness and course management."

Schlabach and Lehman are two of just three area golfers to have an 18-hole average below 80 this fall and should have the Bulldogs in position to compete for the title.

They won't be alone atop the leaderboard, however, as Hillsdale's Byron Bickle has had a breakout season, and is right behind Brahler in the 18-hole averages across the area, while Waynedale — a team that also has had its share of postseason success — has a tough tandem atop of its lineup in Trey Barkman and Jordan Miller. Don't forget about returning state qualifier Kylee Purdy of Northwestern, who is no stranger to competing in big-time events, along with a Smithville team that's been on verge of breaking out, and the final stretch at Hawks Nest should be entertaining to watch.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Golf: previewing the local conference tournaments