POST FALLS — Sandpoint’s senior star Bode Eacret proved he was one of the best golfers in 5A by medaling and qualifying for state at the Inland Empire District Tournament at The Links on Monday.

Eacret shot a 69 and closed out his stellar day with an eagle on 18. That score was tied with Lakeland’s Tyler Zachary for the best of the day, and Eacret won medalist honors by beating Zachary in a playoff in just two holes.  

Sandpoint head coach Mike Deprez said Eacret has been on the doorstep of this elite range for two years, and he couldn’t have chosen a better time to realize that potential. 

“That’s great for him to be able to take that and say, ‘Okay, I am the player I want to be, and I am the player I think I am,’” Deprez said. “What are the possibilities that he could win state? The answer is very realistic.” 

The Bulldogs’ senior star will be the lone representative from the Sandpoint boys at the 5A State Tournament next week at The Links, after the team finished third overall. Sandpoint finished with a 329 final score, 24 strokes away from second place, but got an encouraging performance from Miller Ely, who shot an 80. 

An 87 from Drake Reid, a 93 from Rajah Brown and a 101 from Maverick Rohm closed out the day for the Bulldog boys. Deprez said he wants his younger players, Ely, Reid and Rohm, to take motivation from missing the state tournament and use it for 2027. 

“There’s two things that happen when you play a round of golf: either you win, or you learn, and for them, they learned,” Deprez said. “They learned how they handle pressure, and what they can do better... The other thing they learned is that they’re now motivated. They’ve got that chip on their shoulder.” 

On the girls team, Ella Mahlum and Hannah Majors both individually qualified for the state tournament after the team narrowly finished in third. A 396 final team score fell two strokes short of qualifying for the Bulldogs for state as Lewiston polished off a 394. 

Deprez said he was impressed with how quickly his girls team, made up of mostly sophomores, improved this year. 

“For me, I look at that as foundational for 2027,” Deprez said of his girls’ performances. “I’m happy with that direction and happy that two of the girls qualified for state. They’ll get state experience, to see what it’s like to play 36 holes, 18 and then 18. Then collectively they’ll share that with their teammates and hopefully have a very successful 2027 campaign.” 

Mahlum shot the third-best score of any golfer, a 91, while Majors shot a 93. Deprez said Mahlum took her game to the next level at the district tournament and Majors was playing like a PGA Tour player on Monday. 

“Everything just needs to be tidied up just a teeny bit, but not changed,” Deprez said of Majors’ game. 

The three Bulldogs will head back down to Post Falls next week for the State Tournament, which will be hosted at The Links. The two-day event will take place on Monday and Tuesday. Those wishing to follow along can attend the event at The Links or purchase a pass from Plus Four Golf to see live scoring. 

BOYS 

Par 73 

At The Links Golf Club, Post Falls 

INDIVIDUALS (Top four to state) – 1, Bode Eacret, Sandpoint, 69 (won on second hole of playoff). 2, Tyler Zachary, Lakeland, 69. 3, Luke Karshner, Lakeland, 72. 4, Ashton Literal, Lewiston, 73. 

TEAM SCORES (Top two teams to state) – 1, Lakeland 297. 2, Lewiston 305. 3, Sandpoint 329. 4, Moscow 348. 

LAKELAND – Tyler Zachary 69, Marty Babb 75, Luke Karshner 72, Dom Tuskan 81, Maddox Score 87. 

LEWISTON – Aston Literal 73, Colt Walker 74, Landon Blewett 76, Brock Fairley 76, Davis Sartini 76. 

SANDPOINT – Bode Eacret 69, Drake Reid 87, Miller Ely 80, Raah Brown 93, Maverick Rohm 101. 

MOSCOW – Burke Brown 85, Brock Fealy 93, Elliot Miura 97, Mason Helbling 87, Kian Steele 93. 

GIRLS 

Par 73 

At The Links Golf Club, Post Falls 

INDIVIDUALS (Top four to state) – 1, Paige Carey, Lakeland, 82 (won on first hole of playoff). 2, Ellie Austad, Lakeland, 82. 3, Ella Mahlum, Sandpoint, 91. 4, Hannah Majors, Sandpoint, 93. 

TEAM SCORES (Top two to state) – 1, Lakeland 363. 2, Lewiston 394. 3, Sandpoint 396. 4, Moscow 404. 

LAKELAND – Paige Carey 82, Ellie Austad 82, Dani Russell 96, Tessa Dorr 103, Kendal Prety 108. 

LEWISTON – Marissa Peterson 98, Josey Hemphill 100, Abi White 93, Reagan Blewett 103, Suzie Huff 115. 

SANDPOINT – Hannah Majors 93, Ella Mahlum 91, Hailey Gove 99, Evey Walker 113, Ysabelle Lopez 126. 

MOSCOW – Madi Kessel 105, Paige Raney 97, Gemma Sorenson 100, Haili Hull 106, Tessa Maxcer 102. 

    Hannah Majors putts on the 10th hole of The Links Golf Course on Monday during the 5A Inland Empire Tournament. Majors shot a 93, the fourth-best score of any girl, to qualify for the state tournament.
  

    The Sandpoint golf team poses for a picture following the 5A Inland Empire District Tournament at The Links Golf Course on Monday. The Bulldogs will be sending three golfers to state this year.

    Sandpoint golfers Ella Mahlum, Bode Eacret and Hannah Majors wear their state qualifying medals at The Links Golf Course on Monday.