Photo from Jordan Neduzak: Back row (L-R): Jordan Neduzak, Aaliyah Bolstad, Brynlee Haukoss, Clare Striemer, Mya Smith, Clare Paulson, Leo Heller, Levi Bonser, Kaleb Baarson, Xzavier Moore, Jonah Striemer, Garett Cook, Noah Anderson. Front row: Melody Bliesmer, Morgan McCorkell, Daniel Trontvet, Levi Sandberg, Gage Owens, Levi Anderson, Knox Larson, Tanner Anderson, Haydn Lillevold, Carson Scheff, Carter Tadlock, Kain Grandgenett. Not pictured: Riley Ebeling.

TRIMONT – The Martin County West boys and girls golf teams look to continue going in the right direction this spring season with the return of a handful of key individuals from last year’s team.

While the teams weren’t able to make it to day two of the sections a year ago, head coach Jordan Neduzak saw Knox Larson qualify and compete in the Boys Golf Class A Individual State Tournament. Knox Larson shot a 167, which was good enough for 39th place.

“Last season, overall, went well,” Neduzak said. “As a team, both boys and girls, we competed and had fun. Neither team was able to move on to day two of section play, but had success among our individual players.”

The Mavericks will be without a handful of impactful seniors. For the boys, Kale Larson, a 1-2 golfer for Neduzak, will be gone this spring. Isaak Engstrom, Josh Roben and Malaki Runkle are some other names who had varsity experience. The girls will be without top golfer Brenna Heifner and Ariel Freeman.

While many new faces will be asked to step up this year, Neduzak says there are a couple of key returners poised to bring back their skills and experience.

Knox Larson will be an easy name to look towards after his run in the state tournament a year ago. Now a sophomore, Neduzak’s goal is to challenge him to even bigger accomplishments this time around.

“I can assume his goals are no less than solidifying a spot in the tournament again,” Neduzak said. “As a coach, I’m going to challenge him more on the mental side of golf to help prepare for these bigger moments.”

Carson Scheff is another name who will bring consistency to the boys’ side with his senior presence. Neduzak says Scheff has been a “steady Eddy” during his time with the Mavericks and wants to continue seeing development, with more being asked of him this season.