Evans and James finish in top 10

PAINTSVILLE — Martin County High School golfers competed in the 11th Region Golf tournament Sept.19-20 at the Paintsville Country Club. The Lady Cardinal golfers teed off Sept. 19, while the Cardinal golfers teed off Sept. 20 in the tournament hosted by Johnson Central.

In this 18-hole tournament, the stakes were high, with the top two teams and 10 individuals earning the opportunity to advance to semi-state at Winchester Country Club Sept. 25-26.

The Lady Cards represented their school with three golfers in the tournament. Kenadi Evans finished as a top 10 contender, securing her spot in semi-state with a seventh-place finish and score of 95. Jaylee Deskins finished with a score of 101, earning the alternate spot. Hannah Swartz shot a 141.

In an exceptional performance Isabella Christy of Paintsville clinched first place with a 1 under par 70.

The team from Owsley County claimed the top spot, shooting a collective 423, while Letcher County Central secured second place with a score of 427.

The boys, fielding a full team of five golfers, faced a challenging day on the course. The tough course conditions and the added pressure of the postseason led to higher scores than expected. Senior Jake James stood out by qualifying for semi-state with a score of 81. Dylan Hale scored 104, Drew Wilson shot 126, Avery Duncan posted a score of 119, and Ryder Duncan finished with 138.

Cam Roberts of Pikeville High School took the top spot by shooting a 3 over par 73.

Johnson Central High School took home first place by shooting a team score of 315, while Hazard High School placed second with a team score of 322.

Martin County coach Boo Newsome was proud of the team for competing.

“It’s awesome to have two semi-state qualifiers,” she added. “They have worked hard to extend their postseason.”