ORWIGSBURG — Remember the name Sam Vinc.

The Tamaqua sophomore is quickly emerging as one of the area’s top high school golfers, and appears to be building a championship-caliber career.

On Monday at Schuylkill Country Club, Vinc captured his second straight Schuylkill League championship with another standout performance. He fired an even-par 72, combining strong driving and steady putting to defend the title he won as a freshman.

Vinc had to hold off another top golfer in Schuylkill Haven junior Alan Evans, who shot a 3-over 75 on his home course. Evans’ teammate, Eli Barton, finished third with a 6-over 78.

But the story belonged to Vinc.

A year ago, he burst onto the high school golf scene, winning the league championship with a 74 before eventually earning a berth in the PIAA Championships.

On Monday, Vinc remained confident despite a soft course made even more challenging by heavy rain the previous day.

“It was tough because it was a soft course,” Vinc said. “No rolls on the fairways.”

Vinc said the par-4 ninth hole proved to be his toughest challenge of the day. He recorded a double bogey there after making a six.

“I hit a good drive, then hit a 60-degree (wedge), hit it pin high, it ripped off the green, then I chunked my chip and two-putted,” he said.

Despite the setback, Vinc showed the poise and mental toughness that have become trademarks of his game.

“What’s impressive about Sam is not how he does, but how he carries himself,” Tamaqua coach Matt Stine said. “It’s not how he shoots, but he has that leadership, how he treats his teammates. He’s helping everybody get better and they do get better. ... He’s not a guy to make big speeches to his team.”

Instead, Vinc leads by example.

That leadership was especially evident on the back nine.

Stine described the tournament as a “two-horse race” between Vinc and Evans, and the pair were tied at 1-over through 13 holes.

Vinc made his move on the par-5 14th, recording his fourth birdie of the day to get back to even par. He followed with four consecutive pars to finish off the championship round, while Evans bogeyed Nos. 15 and 18.

Vinc played the back nine in 1-under 35, making eight pars to go along with his birdie on No. 14.

“My mentality didn’t change, just go out and play it one shot at a time,” Vinc said.

Having played the course several times, he relied on a simple approach.

“Play the course, that’s the way I always play,” he said. “You can’t worry about the other guy, you play your game and play (each) hole.”

His driver proved to be one of his biggest weapons.

“I didn’t miss a fairway with my driver, and that boosted my game,” Vinc said.

Blue Mountain’s Dylan Knittle and Minersville’s Garrett Sukeena both shot 82, with Knittle winning a playoff for fourth. Mahanoy Area’s Connor Bowman, Blue Mountain’s Ethan Hartman and North Schuylkill’s Jace Jackson all tied for sixth with rounds of 84. Schuylkill Haven’s Chase Maley and Nativity’s Stephen Karinch tied for ninth with 85s.

Other area finishers included Tamaqua’s Jacob Fritzinger (88) and Brody Boyle (98); Marian’s Brayden Grant (86), Collin Yurkanin (87), Carter Grant (88) and Patrick Bonner (95); Weatherly’s Eli Brown (90), Chance Stauffer (95) and Brad Connors (99); and Panther Valley’s Spencer Schirer (102).

On the girls side, Lourdes’ Vivian Reiprish captured the league championship with an 82. Minersville’s Emma Troutman was second with an 86, followed by Schuylkill Haven’s Giulianna Hughes with an 88. Panther Valley’s Callie Kosiolek finished fourth with a 111.

Now, Vinc’s attention turns to the District 11 Championships on Oct. 6 at Steel Club in Hellertown and a potential return trip to the PIAA Class 2A Championships.

Vinc, who finished fifth at districts last season, has already secured a berth in this year’s district tournament after qualifying for states a year ago.

“I’m happy right now, but there’s more work and I want to continue to get better every time out.”

UP NEXT ... Other Schuylkill League boys golfers with a season average of 85 or better will compete in the District 11 Qualifying Tournament on Sept. 29 at Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort. Vinc has already secured an automatic berth in the district championships.

COACH SAID IT ... “Sam shot even par, that’s why he’s standing with the medal,” Stine said with a smile while celebrating Vinc’s accomplishment.

TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS ... Marian will represent the Times News area in Tuesday’s Schuylkill League team championships at Hidden Valley Golf Course, joining Blue Mountain, North Schuylkill and Schuylkill Haven.