Dexter's Nesselrodt Shoots 1-Under to Win Kennett Invitational

Defending state champion leads Bearcats to team victory with 168 total strokes.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 1:56pm

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Banks Nesselrodt, the defending Missouri state high school golf champion from Dexter, fired a 1-under 35 to claim medalist honors and lead his team to victory at the Kennett Invitational tournament. Nesselrodt's Dexter teammates followed closely behind, giving the Bearcats a team score of 168 to win the six-team event.

Why it matters

Nesselrodt and Dexter are looking to make a return trip to the state tournament this season after winning the title a year ago. This early-season tournament victory shows the Bearcats are off to a strong start in their quest to defend their championship.

The details

Nesselrodt said he felt confident coming into the tournament, despite some issues with his driver. He was able to make up for it with solid putting and up-and-down play to card the low round of the day. Dexter's other top scorers were Carter Stone, who tied for second with a 39, and Will Guethle, Ashton Holden, and Layton Morrison, who all contributed to the team's winning total.

  • The Kennett Invitational took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Banks Nesselrodt

The defending Missouri state high school golf champion from Dexter High School.

Carter Stone

A Dexter golfer who tied for second place with a 39.

Dexter High School

The team that won the Kennett Invitational with a score of 168.

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What they’re saying

“I felt pretty confident coming in today. Driver was a little swirly, but I was about to maintain focus, hit some putt shots and have some good up and downs. Ultimately shot a pretty good score there.”

— Banks Nesselrodt, Dexter Golfer

What’s next

Nesselrodt and the Dexter team will look to continue their strong start to the season as they aim to return to the state tournament and defend their championship.

The takeaway

Dexter's victory at the Kennett Invitational, led by the stellar play of defending state champion Banks Nesselrodt, demonstrates the team's potential to make another deep postseason run this year as they seek to repeat as state titlists.