Libby's Johnston 13th at boys Junior America's Cup

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Montana placed two golfers in the top 16 and finished tied for 13th as a team after the final round on Thursday at the 43rd annual Junior America’s Cup at Pine Canyon Golf Club.

Libby freshman Ryggs Johnston finished tied for 13th overall, carding a 1-under-par 71 in the third round, with five birdies. He was 3-under for the tournament, finishing nine strokes back of the eventual winner, Southern California’s Sam Choi at 12-under.

Billings’ Joey Moore was one stroke back after a similar final round, carding six birdies in a 1-under final round. He finished 2-under in a tie for 16th.

Anaconda senior Caleb Stetzner struggled in his final round, shooting 7-over-par to finish at 14-over in a tie for 58th. Libby senior Jonny Cielak was 14-over on Thursday to finish 36-over in 71st.

Choi held off Wyoming’s Easton Paxton in the final round to win by two strokes and help Southern California to a resounding team victory. Each of SoCal’s four golfers finished at even par or better, with three in the top 20. Southern California won the team event by 13 strokes, finishing at 25-under, well ahead of Wyoming (-12) and Colorado (-8) in second and third.

Montana finished at 9-over-par as a team, tied with Mexico’s first team in 13th.