Photo: Northpoint Christian School boys’ golf team at TSSAA Division 2-A West Regional tournament. (Courtesy photo)
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – The Northpoint Christian School boys’ golf team has secured a trip to the TSSAA Division II Class A State Championship after a runner-up finish at the West Regional Championship on Sept. 29 at Mirimichi Golf Club.
The Trojans, one of 11 schools competing in the regional, shot a team score of 309 to finish just six strokes behind Jackson Christian School (303). The result punched Northpoint’s ticket to the state tournament in Sevierville, Tenn., Oct. 9-10, marking the program’s seventh state appearance and first since 2013.
Senior Sam Kim led the way with an even-par 72, good for fourth overall individually. He was followed by Spencer Starnes (75), Mac Rivers (80), Cooper Phillips (82) and Ben Beerman (85).
“This group has worked hard all season and deserves this opportunity,” said Assistant Coach Brett Rivers. “They’ve been consistent and competitive, and now they get to represent Northpoint on the state’s biggest stage.”
Northpoint has been dominant throughout the season, remaining undefeated in nine-hole matches against area schools and placing as high as second in multiple 18-hole tournaments.
Sam Kim, fourth-place finisher at D2-A West Regional
Roster and Leadership
The Trojans’ roster features seniors Kim, Phillips and Chase Houston; juniors Rivers, Cooper Willing, Tripp Taylor and Witt Huffman; freshman Griffin Harrell; and underclassmen Starnes and Beerman. The team is led by Head Coach Brooke Phillips with Rivers serving as assistant coach.
DeSoto County Golf Championship Ahead
Beyond the state tournament, Northpoint is also set to compete in the DeSoto County Golf Tournament on Oct. 16 at Olive Branch Country Club. The event brings together top boys’ and girls’ players from Horn Lake, DeSoto Central, Lewisburg, DeSoto Christian Academy, Hernando, Olive Branch, Southaven and Northpoint.
The county championship was started by Adam Payne, now golf coach at Northwest Mississippi Community College, to showcase the depth of golf talent across DeSoto County.
“We have a proud golf tradition here, and this tournament allows all of our schools to come together in a competitive and meaningful way,” Rivers said.
(From left) Witt Huffman, Cooper Phillips, Ben Beerman, Cooper Willing, Tripp Taylor, Chase Houston, Sam Kim, Griffin Harrell, Spencer Starnes, and Mac Rivers (Courtesy photo)
Bob Bakken provides content for DeSoto County News and its social media channels. He is an award-winning broadcaster, along with being a reporter and photographer, and has done sports media relations work with junior and minor league hockey teams. Along with his reports on this website, you will find this veteran media member providing sports updates and high school football play-by-play on Rebel 95.3 FM Radio.
