Polson golfers eye State berths with blend of experience and youth
BRANDON HANSEN For the Leader | Lake County Leader | UPDATED 11 months, 3 weeks AGO
Polson coach Cameron Milton celebrated a state championship in 2024 with his son, Max Milton, who took top honors in the State A Golf Tournament, held at Polson Bay Golf Course. (Bob Gunderson photo)
Expectations are running high for the Polson High School golf teams this fall as both the boys and girls programs bring back key players and welcome talented newcomers. Head Coach Cameron Milton said the Pirates are poised for steady growth and could make some noise in postseason play.
“Expectations are elevated this year for both squads,” Milton said.
On the girls side, the team is led by senior Madi Lake and returning players Johanna Bieber and Harlie Fischer. Rounding out the squad are freshmen Cheyenne Bieber and Olivia Cottet and sophomore Alexa Kinaman.
"The goal for the girls is taking the team to state in Sidney,” he said.
That state appearance is a realistic target with a deeper roster than in recent seasons. Milton said early competition has shown the girls’ squad will be competitive from the start.
“On the girls' side, freshman Olivia Cottet took second in our first 18-hole qualifier behind sophomore Harlie Fischer,” Milton noted. “They would be two newcomers to keep your eye on.”
On the boys’ side, Polson returns its biggest individual weapon.
“We have a great young team as well as returning the individual state champion Max Milton and state participant Carson Emerson,” Milton said. “Following those two is a young group of freshmen, sophomores and one junior.”
The depth and talent in the younger group could pay dividends as the season progresses. Milton pointed to an early-season shakeup as evidence of the team’s competitiveness.
“On the boys' side, freshman Cash Brown overtook Carson Emerson for the two spot in our 36-hole qualifier,” Milton said.
Overall numbers are strong for both squads, a positive sign for the program’s depth and future.
“Turnout was great with six girls and 14 boys,” Milton said.
Still, the Pirates know youth brings challenges.
“We are young and maturity may be a challenge early on, but the overall skill set of both teams is great,” Milton said. “This should be a squad that improves quickly.”
The road to postseason success won’t be easy in the competitive Western Division. Milton identified one team that stands out as the preseason favorite.
“Corvallis has to be the overwhelming favorite out of the west,” he said. “Senior Brady Powell is an incredibly accomplished junior with a strong, seasoned team behind him.”
That level of competition should push the Pirates to raise their game each week. With defending state champion Max Milton leading the boys, and Fischer, Lake, and Cottet helping solidify the girls, the pieces are in place for a successful season.