Storylines to watch at boys golf state tournament
The 2022 Oklahoma high school boys golf state tournaments begin Monday at numerous sites across the state. Here are some storylines and players to watch:
Can Edmond North continue its dominance?
There's no question which boys golf team has been the strongest in the state over the past three decades.
Edmond North has won 17 of the past 27 state golf titles. Since 2005, the Huskies have only walked away from the state tournament without the championship crown twice, in 2015 and 2019.
So, who could challenge Edmond North for the title this time? Look no further than Norman North.
The Timberwolves have dominated competition all season long, with senior Jake Hopper and sophomore Josh Stuart leading the way. Norman North also may have an advantage, with the Class 6A tournament being at Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman.
For Hopper, who signed with OU, it could be added motivation to capture a title at his future home course in his final tournament as a Timberwolf.
Ryder Cowan, OCS looking for title
Oklahoma Christian School junior Ryder Cowan and his Saints' teammates remember coming up short last May.
Cowan, an OU commit, finished runner-up to OU signee and former Christian Heritage star Drew Goodman for the individual title at Buffalo Rock in Cushing. OCS finished runner-up to the Crusaders in the team standings, as well.
This season, however, OCS is looking to finish on top.
OCS comes into the Class 3A state tournament as one of the favorites to win the team title at Lakeview Golf Course in Ardmore. And Cowan, who won the Oklahoma Junior Masters at Southern Hills in Tulsa on Saturday, is primed to capture the individual title.
Players to watch
Preston Albee, Fr., Choctaw: The standout freshman has tallied a handful of top-10 finishes this season. Competing as an individual, Albee will look to show the state why he's considered one of the best amateur golfers in the country.
Grant Gudgel, So., Stillwater: Gudgel had a strong season for Stillwater, and he played terrific during his first Class 6A state tournament last season. He could be in the hunt for medalist honors after finishing tied for fourth at the state preview in March.
Parker Payne, So., Noble: Payne broke out last season as one of the best golfers in the state, and it cumulated with an individual victory at the Class 5A state tournament. He's looking to repeat.
Bryant Polhill, Jr., Oklahoma Christian School: The other half of OCS' 1-2 punch is Polhill, who is himself capable of bringing home a victory at the state tournament. He and Cowan will be big reason why OCS could win the team title.
Carson Wright, Sr., Norman: Wright has been terrific for the Tigers this spring, and he finished fifth at the state tournament last spring. He finished tied for sixth at the state preview in March.