Mason Howell, a 17-year-old high school junior, will be playing in the 2025 U.S. Open after shooting an 18-under-par in his 26 holes during his qualifying rounds.

He sported a fresh scar over his left eye Tuesday night from a battle on the boards, a reminder of what is required to win a Howell-Canton basketball game. And it was Honkala who took a charge along ...