NILES — In the four short years that the Leader Cup has been played, the six teams that compete annually in the tournament have come to think of it as one of the marquee events on their schedule.

Edwardsburg has dominated the tournament, winning three out of the four years.

The Eddies made it back-to-back championships on Monday as they shot 217 to easily defeat runner-up Niles, which shot 249.

Dowagiac finished third, Buchanan fourth and Brandywine fifth. Berrien Springs, which replaced Cassopolis, which did not field a boys golf team this season, was sixth.

“The Leader Cup has become a huge tournament that my players to look forward each year,” said Edwardsburg coach Jeff Kozinski. “This year was the fourth annual and the guys know how special it is. Orchard Hills Country Club has been so kind to host over the years. The staff truly supports junior golf. Also, Leader Publications has been very generous with time and energy to sponsor the championship tournament each year. We are very blessed to be invited to compete in the Leader Cup. I want to say thank you to Orchard Hills and Leader Publications for another great event.”

Edwardsburg’s Satchel Pierce and Joey Reiff earned Medalist honors as they shot 68 in the combined format of best ball and alternate shot.

The Eddies also had the second- and third-place teams as Kanczuzewski/Garron Carrubba shot 73, while Brayden Bell and Cody Closson shot 76.

Niles was led by Tommy Nate and Matthew McKeel, who finished with an 82.

Dowagiac’s top team was Drew Davis and Drew Phillips, who shot 79.

Chieftain coach Bob Turner said his team also enjoys playing for the cup.

“The guys look forward to this tournament all year long,” he said. “They get to play a great course and it is a format that allows them to have some fun and use a little bit of strategy that they never use in conference matches. They are playing with a teammate and have to choose which shot they want to use.”

Turner also noted that Orchard Hills prepared well for the tournament.

“The course was in great shape and the staff really takes care of us while we are there,” he said. “We are very fortunate to get to play in this tournament and we are very thankful to Leader Publications and Orchard Hills for organizing this event.”

First-year coaches Pepper Miller of Brandywine and Chris Watkins of Buchanan were equally as impressed.

“The tournament today was fun,” Miller said. “Getting to golf with some schools you don’t see and doing something a little different than just regular play made it a lot of fun. Thank you Leader Publications for putting this on and thank you Orchard Hills for letting us play.”

“This is a great format for our kids to work together on the golf course,” Watkins said. “Golf is very individualized unless you play in formats like the Leader Cup. It came at a perfect time in the year for our kids to go out have some fun and play with their teammates. It was awesome to experience it and looking forward to it in the years to come.”

Buchanan was led by the team of John Gartland and Bryce Leazenby, who finished the 18 holes with a score of 83.

The Bobcats were paced by Jacob Burge and Reese Mckee, who shot 98.