Early during his practice round on the eve of last year's Class 2A state tournament, Holy Angels golfer Jack Riester doubled over in pain.

He didn't pull a muscle nor was he reacting to a duck hook into the trees.

Hours later, he was in surgery for appendicitis.

Nearly a year later, he's ready for one more shot at state to finish up his high school career.

"It was just terrible for him," Stars coach Randy Nelson said. "He tried to come out for the second day [of competition] but got only a few miles before he told his dad to go back.

"I know he's hoping for another opportunity to show people something. And I'm hoping he'll be able to do that."

Holy Angels finished last among the eight teams in the Class 2A field. Reister's play wouldn't have been enough to propel the Stars to the top -- they finished 52 strokes behind champion Detroit Lakes -- but it was missed.

"His scoring average for the year wasn't the greatest, but he was playing good golf at the end," Nelson said. "He shot an 88 in Brainerd, but it snowed the day before. He shot 79-77 in the sections. He was definitely getting it together and he was anxious to continue that."

Riester and fellow senior Josh Littman will be the key parts to this year's team, which should be favored in Section 4.

"As they go so will we go," Nelson said.

Central scoutingA handful of Minnesota high school hockey players made the final list of top NHL draft-eligible players.

Benilde-St. Margaret's junior Grant Besse, who scored five goals (three shorthanded) in the Red Knights' Class 2A boys' hockey championship victory last month, is the 187th-ranked skater in North America, according to the final Central Scouting list, released this week. He's one spot ahead of Edina's Louie Nanne and four ahead of Breck's Grant Opperman.

The NHL draft is scheduled for June 22-23 in Pittsburgh.