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BROOKVILLE — They call him the "little lefty from Brookville," but he's making big-time contributions to the high school boys golf program.

The smallish Mike Day (5 feet 6) continues to be one of the top players in the area after earning the Southwestern Buckeye League's lowest nine-hole stroke average in 2007 (36.8).

"I found something in my swing and it's grooved in," Day said. "I've been real consistent this season as a result."

Day claimed medalist honors in three matches last week — Eaton and Oakwood with 2-under-par 34s at Penn-Terra, and a 36 against Milton-Union at Homestead.

A solid showing on the summer junior circuit gave Day momentum. He played in the Optimist International Junior at the PGA National Resort in Palm Beach, Fla. The elite event drew 600 juniors from 40 nations. Pros such as Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Davis Love III were Optimist champions during their junior careers.

"I played decent and missed the cut after three days," Day said. "I found out I could be competitive with players from across the country and from all over the world. The international players are very disciplined and focused and seem to have everything down. That's what I took from the experience."

Day feels his course management puts him ahead of the competition.

"Michael has developed the whole package, hitting the long ball for his size and developing a nice touch around the green," Brookville coach Gregg Pigg said. "We've had 10 matches and Michael has had only two rounds over par."

Day is aiming for that elusive trip to state.

Augmenting Day in the Blue Devil lineup are Cory Caudill, Matt Mendenhall and Mitch Denlinger.

Everman leads Elks

Looking for a Division I girls team to watch? Try Centerville.

The junior-laden Elks finished fifth in the 13-team Lima Central Catholic Invitational Pacing the Elks were Claire Chadwick (83) and Alee Everman (84). They started the dual meet season with a 3-0 record. The Elks captured the Greater Western Ohio Conference Pre-Season Meet behind Everman (78) and Samie Hazlett (82).

Everman, a 5-2 junior, carries a 41.09 average for nine holes.

"There are a bunch of girls who outdrive me and outputt me, but when my competitiveness kicks in, it all comes together for me," Everman said. "I've started to put my heart into the game, practicing every day, and it's paying off."

Said Centerville girls golf coach Jon Wanders: "Alee is making great strides with her mental game and how she's thinking her way around the golf course."

The Elks will compete in the 14-team Fairborn Invitational Monday at Greene Country Club. Teams include state hopeful Tippecanoe, Miamisburg, Graham and Northmont.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.