Playoff Drama: Stephens Clinches Final 2A Golf Berth

Carson Stephens of Lakeland secured the final Class 2A berth for the District 2 Golf Championships after a dramatic three-hole playoff on a cold and wet Monday at Elkview Country Club. The Lackawanna League Pre-District Qualifying event saw playoffs needed to determine the final three spots in both Class 2A and Class 3A.

In Class 2A, Cole Powell from Scranton Prep carded a 1-under-par 71 to take first place, with teammate Brendan Bell shooting a 72 for second. Stephens was among six Lakeland golfers to qualify.

Class 3A saw Honesdale's Trevan Dahlgren and Abington Heights' Sebastian Meyer tie for first place with 4-over-par 76s. Scranton Prep's Cavaliers dominated Class 2A with eight qualifiers, while Honesdale had seven qualifiers in Class 3A.

Both classifications featured tight playoff scenarios. Stephens ultimately prevailed in Class 2A by making par on the third playoff hole, after missing the cut by one stroke last year. In Class 3A, four golfers tied for the final three spots, with Sam Tirney, Braylon Radick, and Graham Kelly ultimately advancing alongside the top finishers.

Golfer Sebastian Meyer noted the adverse weather conditions but expressed confidence from strong finishes in the qualifying round, looking ahead to team playoffs and individual districts. Cole Powell's victory in Class 2A was aided by birdies on three of his final five holes.