Pusch Ridge Leads Early at Omni Tucson National

Defending state champion Pusch Ridge off to strong start in high school golf tournament

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:33am

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The Pusch Ridge high school golf team, the defending state champions, took an early lead at the Omni Tucson National tournament, with several of their players posting strong individual scores. Pusch Ridge finished the first round with a team score of 142, putting them in first place ahead of Willcox (194) and Horizon Honors (221).

Why it matters

Pusch Ridge's early lead in this prestigious high school golf tournament demonstrates their continued dominance in the sport and their ability to perform well under pressure as the defending state champions. The results also highlight the competitive nature of high school golf in Arizona.

The details

Pusch Ridge was led by individual standout performances, including a 34 (-1) from David Vanden Branden and 35 (E) scores from Mark Stypa and Thaddeus Stypa. Other Pusch Ridge golfers in the top 10 included Kiah Franklin (38), Olivia Franklin (38), and Cameron Shoaff (41). Willcox and Horizon Honors rounded out the top three teams, with Willcox's Kasey Cobeen posting a 39 for the second-best individual score.

  • The tournament took place on March 26, 2026.

The players

Pusch Ridge

The defending state champion high school golf team.

David Vanden Branden

A Pusch Ridge golfer who shot a 34 (-1) in the first round.

Mark Stypa

A Pusch Ridge golfer who shot a 35 (E) in the first round.

Thaddeus Stypa

A Pusch Ridge golfer who shot a 35 (E) in the first round.

Kasey Cobeen

A Willcox golfer who shot a 39 in the first round, the second-best individual score.

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The takeaway

Pusch Ridge's strong start in the Omni Tucson National tournament demonstrates their continued dominance in high school golf in Arizona and their ability to perform at a high level as the defending state champions.