BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Martin County turned in a strong showing at the 15th Region All ‘A’ Golf Tournament before Mother Nature brought the Cardinals’ next tournament to an early end later in the week.
All ‘A’ Region
The Martin County Lady Cardinals finished as runner-up while the Cardinals placed sixth Aug. 10 at StoneCrest Golf Course.
Mia James led the Lady Cardinals team. She also placed fourth individually in the region.
The tournament marked a milestone for Sophie Hinkle, Karlee Fletcher and Jayla Savage, who each completed the first 18-hole tournament of their careers.
On the boys’ side, Ryder Duncan continued his strong start to the season by firing a 79 to tie for 10th place among 54 competitors.
Gaven Grace tied his personal-best score with an 84, while Dylan Hale shot an 88 and Blake Lemaster carded a 90.
Tyler Stacy rounded out the Martin County lineup with a career-low 106.
Duncan entered the regional tournament on a strong run. Two days earlier, he shot an 80 at the Pikeville Invitational Tournament to tie for 20th in a field of 96 golfers.
He had also recently fired a bogey-free, 4-under-par 31 at the Alice Lloyd College Showcase, winning his age division and the overall boys competition with the best nine-hole score of his career.
James also carried momentum into the tournament after winning her age division and placing second overall at the ALC Showcase.
Paintsville Invitational
Martin County returned to competition Aug. 15 at the Paintsville Invitational at Paintsville Golf Course.
The tournament began with a 9 a.m. shotgun start, but heavy rain moved into the area with approximately three holes remaining.
Martin County was scheduled to return to StoneCrest Golf Course for another round of competition Aug. 16. Results were not available at press deadline.