Balson-Scales claims district title; Broncbusters finish fourth
Wichita, KS-Joshua Balson-Scales claimed the individual title, and the Garden City men's golf team came in fourth at the 2023 Central District Championships at Crestview Country Club. The Broncbusters earned an at-large bid to the 2023 NJCAA National Championships beginning May 14 at Sand Creek Station.
Balson-Scales finished in a three-way tie with Arthit Kruaprayong from Dodge City and Coffeyville's Braden Smith for the top spot. And the sophomore was spectacular the entire tournament, draining five birdie putts in round one to finish even. He saved par on 13 holes in the second round and overcame two double bogeys with three birdies on the back-nine during Tuesday's final round.
Anthony DeSchutter, who came in 11th at 6-over, tied for the low score of the tournament with a 2-under, 70 in the second round. But he couldn't escape a double bogey on the par-5 14th, finishing plus-5 over the final 18 holes.
Akarachai Sakunlee tied for 12th at 7-over. He was just one shot off the lead after the first round, but a 2-over-74 followed by a 78 over the final 36 pushed him out of the top 10.
Tiaan Diedericks, who has had a strong spring season, came in 36th, Cayden Cundiff was 42nd, and Jackson Koksal finished 49th.
Dodge City claimed the district title with Indian Hills and Hutchinson rounding out the top three.