Joey Scott makes history as Lemont's first two-time golf all-state performer

Lemont High School's Joey Scott made history at the 2024 IHSA Class 2A Boys’ Golf State Finals held at Weibring Golf Club, Illinois State University. The junior golfer tied for seventh place individually, becoming Lemont’s first two-time all-state performer. Under head coach Mark Hollatz, the team secured eighth place out of 12 teams.

On the first day of competition, Lemont was tied for eighth with a score of 325 and improved by ten strokes on the second day to finish with a +72 640. This placed them just four strokes shy of a top-five finish. Ottawa claimed the championship with a +41 609, while Benton and Burlington Central took home state trophies.

Joey Scott excelled from the start, scoring birdies on his first four holes in round one. He ended that day tied for fourth after shooting a +1 72 and followed it up with a +4 75 in round two. His overall score of +5 147 marked his best performance at state finals, placing him among the top ten twice in consecutive years after tying for ninth in 2023.

Senior Matt Devoy stood out in the final round with a personal best of +3 74, tying for 27th overall. Other notable performances included senior Aidan Leonard who tied for 70th, senior Jonah Pulido who tied for 73rd, and sophomore Jack Simpson who tied for 92nd.

The team's journey to state finals began by placing third at both the IHSA Lemont Sectional and Regional tournaments. Scott achieved all-sectional honors after tying for second at Wedgewood Golf Course and was an all-regional performer as runner-up at Green Garden Country Club.

Lemont continued its dominance in conference play by winning its nineteenth consecutive South Suburban Conference title. Junior Chase Magolan emerged as individual medalist and SSC champion during this run.

Since their first team state finals berth in 2005, Lemont has been consistent contenders with appearances each year from various periods including annually from 2021-24. They have won state trophies twice during this time span: third place in 2011 and second place more recently.

Besides Joey Scott's accomplishments, other notable Lemont golfers include Dave Lucheon (1976), Tom Lynn (2005), Paulius Malcius (2019), Shane Purtle (2011), Eddie Scott (2023), and Raymond Sullivan who uniquely competed in four state finals throughout his high school career.