Van Veen’s career-best score leads PCM boys to second at sectionals

MONROE — Easton Van Veen produced a career-best score on his home course, and it led the PCM boys golf team to the next round of the postseason.

The Mustangs advanced to the district tournament following a second-place finish at a Class 2A sectional on Wednesday.

PCM shot a 303 at Gateway Recreation Golf Course. The Mustangs, who have the seventh-best 18-hole average in 2A, were eight shots back of Pella Christian.

The Eagles won the sectional title with a 295, but Van Veen was the meet medalist with a career-best 70. That was one stroke better than Pella Christian’s Cooper Spronk, who shot a 71 as the runner-up medalist.

The Eagles grabbed four of the top six individual spots, while PCM went 1-7-8-9.

West Branch also advanced to districts with a 317. Iowa City Regina (323), Mid-Prairie (327), North Mahaska (353), Wilton (358) and Durant (363) completed the eight-team field.

The top three teams and the top two individuals plus ties not an advancing team qualify for districts.

Tate Tangeman placed seventh with a 77 and Pete Kiernan (78) and Jeffery McDanel (78) had the other counting scores.

It was a career-best score for Kiernan, and Charlie Ford (80) and Parker DeHaai (career-best 84) turned in non-counting scores.

Mid-Prairie’s Bryce Henry and Grayson Gingerich and Iowa City Regina’s Daniel Clark all shot 78 to advance as individuals.

The district tournament takes place at 10 a.m. on Monday at Bos Landen Golf Course in Pella.

The others teams in attendance are Albia, Central Lee, Mediapolis, Tipton, Cascade and Beckman Catholic.

Pella Christian ranks third in 2A with an 18-hole average of 307.85. Central Lee (311.33), Albia (315.6) and PCM (316.1) rank fourth, sixth and seventh in 2A.

The top three finishing teams and top two individuals plus ties not on advancing teams qualify for the 2A state tournament.