Benton’s Norman wins State Title, Rangers finish runner-up


Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

NORMAL — Benton junior Cy Norman won the school’s first golf state championship Saturday, posting a two-day total of 8-under to win the 2A individual title by four shots. Norman wasn’t in a mood to celebrate though, calling the day “bittersweet” because the Rangers finished second as a team, and that’s not what they came to do.

Chicago St. Ignatius College Prep put together a fantastic final round of 4-over 288, as the Rangers’ 6-shot lead after day one vanished on day two. Benton finished nine shots back in second place.

These two teams could be dueling again for the title next year, as both will likely return five of the six players that competed Saturday.

Carbondale junior Ian Davis also medaled, finishing in a tie for seventh, 2-over for the tournament. Benton’s Luke Melvin and River Stilley tied for 21st at 8-over. Teammate Kash Cantrell and Mt. Vernon’s Blaze Greathouse, the only other area golfer in the 2A field, finished tied for 65th at 18-over. Benton’s Andrew Bell finished +21 and Nick Melvin +23.