By By SCOTT NOVAK / Dowagiac Daily News
Ben Landgraf earned medalist honors with an oustanding round of 34 to lead Niles into first place in the Big-16 Conference West Division standings.
Niles edged St. Joseph by a stroke Monday afternoon at Hampshire Country Club to forge a first place tie atop of the standings with the Bears.
The Vikings had a team total of 163 to win the second league jamboree on Monday. St. Joseph finished with a 164, while Lakeshore and Dowagiac finished third and fourth respectively with team totals of 175 and 176. Benton Harbor did not field a full team.
Niles and St. Joseph are tied with 18 points in the overall league standings. Lakeshore has 12 points and Dowagiac eight points. Benton Harbor is fifth with four points.
Beside's Landgraf's 34, the Vikings got a 41 from Josh Flock, a 42 from Matt Molnar and a 46 from Scott Majerek. Also for Niles Darin Martin shot 48 and Andy Hoyt shot 51.
David Maxey led Dowagiac with a 42. Ken Franz finished with a 44, while Scott Wilkinson and Adam Carlson both shot 45.
Dowagiac Jamboree
1. Niles 163, 2. St. Joseph 164, 3. Lakeshore 175, 4. Dowagiac 176, 5. Benton Harbor DNF
West Division standings
1. Niles 18, 1. St. Joseph 18, 3. Lakeshore 12, 4. Dowagiac 8, 5. Benton Harbor 4