A pair of area golf teams are set to start the season Monday at Blue Top Ridge in Riverside when Hillcrest Academy, Highland and Wapello meet for a Southeast Iowa Superconference triangular. The Raven boys had a big season in 2022, finishing with a 22-20 overall record and qualifying for the district tournament in Class 1A for the second straight year as sectional runners-up. On an individual level, junior Jace Rempel advanced to the state tournament for Hillcrest and finished 16th in Ames with his two day total of 178. It was the first time the Ravens had a player make state since 1993. Hillcrest had a 199 team average per nine holes last season and a 379 average per 18. Individually, the Ravens bring back their top four players by the numbers a season ago including Liam Schrock and his team best 48 average per nine holes and Rempel’s 92 average per 18. Also returning are Luke Schrock and Josiah Beachy. They are joined by newcomers Rowan Miller, Seth Ours and Ethan Yoder.

The Highland boys went 13-22 last season, placing third at the Class 1A sectional meet in North English to advance to districts where they placed 10th as a team, led by senior Luke Miller’s 102. The Huskies had a 223 team average per nine holes last year and a 400 average per 18. Peyton Yeggy is the leading returner with his 55 average per nine holes last year 103 average per 18. Also back are Colton Sypherd and Isaac Kleese. The Huskies beat the Ravens in their dual last year 195-197 but fell to the Wapello Indians 187-205.

The Highland girls were 15-7 last year. The Huskies were fourth at the Southeast Iowa Superconference Tournament, third at the Class 1A regional opener with a 463, led by freshman Adeline Krotz 104, and sixth at the regional final with a 447 and Krotz with a 103. As a team they averaged 243 per nine holes and 456 for 18, led by sophomore Kelsi Cerny’s 57 average per nine and 108 average per 18. Along with Cerny and Krotz, the Huskies return their entire team from last season including Danika Kraus, Jenna Waters and Kerra Longbine. Highland beat the Arrows head to head last year 228-259. Action starts tonight at 4p.m. at Blue Top Ridge at the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.