The Brownstown Central boys’ golf team had an excellent season last spring by winning the Mid-Southern Conference tournament, and placing third in the sectional to advance to the regional.

With four players from that squad returning, Coach Brent Hattabaugh has high expectations for this spring.

The Braves opened their season last Saturday at the Floyd Central Tournament where they shot a 322.

“My goal for Floyd Central was to shoot in the 320s,” Hattabaugh said. “I was happy finishing third and beating three ranked teams.

“With the success of the basketball team winning state and the weather conditions last week, Micah (Sheffer) and Caiden (Gwin) didn’t get much practice time on the course.

“Our expectations for this weekend at Cascades (Bloomington) are to be around 310.”

The Braves will compete in the Edgewood Invitational today at Cascades.

Sheffer was the Braves’ MVP last spring when he averaged 36.3 for 9 holes and 76 for 18. He was Mid-Southern all-conference first team, along with Gwin, and Smith Hackman.

Gwin received the mental attitude award last spring, while Hackman and Matthew Reedy were named co-most improved.

“We have four returning players with sectional and regional experience,” Hattabaugh said. “Micah has played in numerous junior tournaments which has given him the experience to compete in every tournament we will play this year.

“His tremendous work ethic and leadership has made everyone on our team get better. Caiden and Matthew have put in a lot of work during the off-season and also have the work ethic to push Micah for the top spots. Smith also has the experience playing No. 4 last year.”

Sheffer and Reedy led the Braves at Floyd Central with 78s, Gwin shot an 80, Collin Downing had an 86 and Hackman scored a 91.

Hattabaugh said, “I believe we have about six kids competing for positions four and five. Downing has really improved. Caden Waskom, Cole Brelage, Carter Covert and Drew Shelton have the potential to move into the top five.”

The Braves face several strong teams in tournament this spring.

“We play in two elite tournaments in April,” Hattabaugh said. “One is the Spring Showcase in Jasper (April 20) where 10 of the 12 teams are ranked, and then we play in the Hall of Fame Classic in Peru (April 27) and some of the top teams in the state will be there.

“The level of competition will show us what it takes to compete at sectional and regional. Our JV will play those weekends at Corydon and Bedford against some good varsity teams.

“The depth we have will help us push each other to get better. We made it to the regional as a team last year and we would like to go one step farther this year.”