Benton’s Noah McWilliams has a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the 106th annual Louisiana Amateur Championship.
McWilliams, a former Benton High standout who just completed his sophomore season at LSU, shot an 8-under par 64 in the second round Thursday at Bayou Oaks at City Park in New Orleans.
McWilliams shot 4 under in Thursday’s first round and is 12 under.
Zachary’s Kyle Bennett, the first round leader, and Sulphur’s Landen East are tied for second at 11 under.
Bennett shot a 68 Friday and East shot a 66.
After parring the first hole, McWilliams made five straight birdies and made the turn at 5-under 31. He parred No. 10 and birdied No. 11. After making four straight pars he birdied 16 and 17 before closing with a par.
Noah’s father, Robby McWilliams, and former Parkway player Chance Snell are in a five-way tie for 13th at 4 under. Both shot 68 in the second round and 72 in the first.
At LSU last season, Noah McWilliams won the Bayou City Collegiate against a field of 81. He averaged 72.48 for 21 rounds with nine of par or under.
As a freshman, he played in four tournaments and had a 75.58 average. He was also named to the First-Year SEC Academic Honor Roll.
McWilliams finished tied for fourth in the Division I state tournament in 2023, helping Benton finish runner-up. He also finished fourth in 2022.
In 2021, he finished runner-up after losing a playoff on the second hole.