News

After shooting a one-over-par 73 on the opening day of the state finals, Faith Johnson returned on Day 2 and posted a three-under 69, the best score of the weekend, to earn the individual state championship at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel.

The Evansville North sophomore hit all 18 greens during Saturday's round, making birdies on three of her first four holes and par on her next nine. After settling for a bogey on 14, she followed up with her fourth birdie of the day on 15 and finished her round with three straight pars. Her two-day score of 142 tied for fifth-best state finals score ever and she became the second Husky golfer to win the state title joining Natalie Schmett in 2010.

Johnson's score was two strokes better than Homestead sophomore Madison Dabagia who finished even (73-71-144) and three strokes better than Homestead senior Morgan Dabagia (70-75-145) and Zionsville senior Annabelle Pancake (76-69-145) who tied for third place. Defending champion Jocelyn Bruch of Westfield ended seventh (79-71-150).

The Dabagia sisters led the way for the second-ranked Homestead team which topped the field with a 605 to claim the school's first girls golf state championship. That score tied for the second-lowest team score in state finals history. Other Homestead golfers included sophomore Simone Senk (77-76-153) who finished ninth overall, junior Megan Yoder (82-87-169) and senior Olivia Render (91-81-172). The second-ranked Spartans had entered the weekend aftter shooting a single round 282, the lowest regional round in state tournament history at Noble Hawk in Kendallville. The team was coached by Jeff Jehl.

Top-ranked Evansville North settled for a runner-up finish after winning this event four of the last five years with its 617, 12 strokes off the lead. Zionsville (635), Westfield (643) and Carmel (648) rounded out the top five teams.

Both days saw nearly ideal weather conditiions at Prairie View which played at 5,864 yards.

Homestead senior presented Mental Attitude Award
Following the event, Homestead senior Morgan Dabagia was named the recipient of the mental attitude award by IHSAA Executive Committee.

The award is presented annually to the senior who best demonstrates mental attitude, scholarship, leadership and athletic ability during her four years of high school.

Undecided on her college choice to date, she is the daughter of Mark and Melissa Dabagia of Fort Wayne.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance presented $1,000 to the general scholarship fund at Homestead High School in the name of Morgan Dabagia.

Leader Boards