PUEBLO -- Freshman Joey Banks of Forge Christian shot a 1-under par round of 70 to take the lead Monday at the first round of the 2A Boys State Golf Championships, but three other players are within two strokes.

The second and final round is Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in the team race, Frontier Academy compiled a three-player team score of 19-over 229 to take a three-stroke lead over Banks and Forge Christian at 232, while Telluride is another stroke back at 233.

Right behind Banks individually is Swink senior Noah Pearson at even-par 70, while freshman Gage Poulsen of Liberty Common and junior Connor Mellott of Monte Vista are another stroke back at 71.

Tied for fifth at 3-over are sophomores Isaiah Fowler of Frontier Academy and Ashton Park of Cedaredge, while Jefferson Academy freshman Teague Murrey is seventh at 4-over. There's a three-way tie for eighth among freshman Banks O'Brien of Telluride, sophomore Bryson Elam of Rangely and junior Collen Todd of Golden View Classical Academy. Fowler was sixth last year, while Todd and Pearson tied for seventh and Mellott tied for ninth.

Frontier Academy's quest for the title includes Fowler's strong round as well as quality play by juniors Owen Steward and Canton Sandstrom, each of whom shot 78.
 

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