Peter Dindinger — NMMI Sports Press

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico Military Institute senior Jackson Hicks was back at the Class A-3A state golf tournament ready to defend his individual title.

Tied for the lead after shooting a 79 alongside Fisher Hirsch of Santa Fe Prep after Day 1, Hicks was in reach of going back to back on Tuesday at The Canyon Club at Four Hills.

Dropping down to even par, Hicks fought his way back to tie for the lead again.

Unfortunately, Mesilla Valley Christian’s Logan Morris got hot at the right moment to break away and take the individual state title with a two-day total of 155 (81-74).

Hicks finished tied for fourth place, just five shots behind the leader. Hicks carded a total of 160 after shooting a second round score of 81.

Bosque’s Angelo Martinez tied with Hicks after carding the scores of 82 and 78.

Riley Morris of Mesilla Valley and Hirsch were two shots behind the leader with a total score of 155 to tie for second.

“Tough day. Put a lot of pressure on ourselves trying to win again and be a back to back state champion, which you don’t really see a whole lot of those,” said NMMI head coach Randy Doerhoefer.

Hicks knocked down a solid birdie putt while also making some key par putts to round out the back nine at the start of Day 2.

He also had some great approaches and saves to get on the green to stay within reach of the lead after getting into a tight predicament on the front nine after a ball went into the water.

Hicks was trying to become the first NMMI golfer to repeat as an individual state champion since Greg Robertson accomplished the feat in 1992 and 1993.

The road doesn’t end here for Hicks as he has already signed a letter of intent to compete for the Broncos next season at the junior college level.

Hicks will go down as one of the most decorated Colt golfers in program history. His state title last spring was the first won by a Colt since 2003.

“I know it was a goal of his, but all in all he’ll have to mature a little bit, and he’ll be back to play a lot more golf for NMMI as a Bronco,” added Doerhoefer. “His future’s bright. It was frustrating for him.”

Day 2 results (Top 11)

1. Logan Morris (Mesilla Valley) (81-74 — 155); 2. (tie) Riley Morris (Mesilla Valley) (82-75 — 157); and Fisher Hirsch (Santa Fe Prep) (79-78 — 157); 4. (tie) Jackson Hicks (NMMI) (79-81 — 160); and Angel Martinez (Bosque) (82-78 — 160); 5. Adiance Cheromiah (Laguna Acoma) (86-78 — 164); 6. Bodee Bratcher (Clovis Christian) (87-78 — 165); 7. Elijah Salazar (St. Michael’s) (82-86 — 168); 8. (tie) Aydan Muro (Mesilla Valley) (91-81 — 172); and Beau Barker (Mesilla Valley) (87-85 — 172); 11. Noah McKay (Clovis Christian) (86-88 — 174).