Stillson Earns State Honor, Panthers Take 13th At State Finals
By Mike Deak
InkFreeNews
CARMEL – It was fitting for a player that has represented the sport so well, her career would culminate with an award that will follow her for a lifetime.
NorthWood’s Cybil Stillson completed her high school golf career Saturday at the IHSAA Girls Golf State Finals, and after shooting a two-day total of 153, was awarded the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award.
Stillson would tie for 11th in her fourth and final state finals, posting a 76 on Saturday to go with a 77 on Friday. After pulling off a state record 62 at the East Noble Regional a week ago, Stillson’s reaction set up the reason for the award.
“Honestly, I wasn’t even thinking about the scores, and I didn’t know it was a record until I was told,” Stillson said last Monday at state media day. “I was just trying to play my game, make sure I was keeping up with Madison (Dabagia, of Homestead), and try to keep mistakes to a minimum.”
Stillson recounted the day with a smile, as she has her entire career at NorthWood. The award follows Stillson as being one of two seniors this year to be named IHSGCA All-State all four years, Dabagia the other. Stillson helped NorthWood to a fourth straight state finals appearance, the team taking 13th overall.
Fellow senior Bre Goss wrapped up her career in Indianapolis also for a fourth time. After shooting 89 on Friday, Goss would rally with an 85 for her two-day score of 174. The junior All-Stater had started well on the front nine, shooting a three-over 39 with a pair of birdies on 16 and 18, but as the rains came down hard on the back nine, Goss slid to a 50 to conclude her prep career.
Riley Kitson shot a 104 on Saturday in her second state finals appearance, Kira Schrock had a 116 and Bella Sechrist, the 2021 Mitchel Winger Award Winner, had a 122 to close out her season.
Evansville North won the state title with a 606, with area teams Culver Academy seventh and Penn 11th. Lapel’s Macy Beeson shot a 144 to win the individual championship, one better than Evansville’s Chloe Johnson, who missed a putt on her final hole to settle for second at 145.