Duncan wins Alice Lloyd College Golf Showcase; James win age division

Martin County golfer Mia James blasts out of a sand trap at StoneCrest. She shot a 54 at the Alice Lloyd College Showcase to win her age division Aug. 4. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

BY BRITTNI MCCOY
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

PRESTONSBURG — Ryder Duncan went bogey-free to win overall and Mia James brought home a division title as Martin County turned in a strong performance Aug. 4 at the Alice Lloyd College Showcase at StoneCrest Golf Course.

Duncan fired a personal-best 4-under-par 31 over nine holes to win the 14-and-under boys division and claim the overall boys championship.

The Cardinal stayed clean throughout the round, recording five pars and four birdies without a bogey on the card. His 31 marked the best nine-hole score of his career.

Martin County coach Boo Newsome and Cardinals golfer Ryder Duncan after Duncan won the Alice Lloyd College Golf Showcase. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Martin County coach Boo Newsome said Duncan’s early-season play has established him as one of the golfers to watch in the area.

“We’ve had a really good start to the season,” Newsome said. “With KHSAA setting July 15 as the first day of practice and competition beginning July 20, there’s a really quick turnaround, so I’ve been pleased with how our team has responded.

“Ryder has been very consistent for us early in the season and has shown a lot of improvement from last year. He’s proving that he can be one of the top competitors in our region.”

Duncan’s victory came during an impressive stretch for the young golfer. On Aug. 8, he shot an 80 at the Pikeville Invitational Tournament at StoneCrest to tie for 20th in a field of 96 golfers.

Dylan Hale also turned in a strong performance at the ALC Showcase. He carded a 41 and finished eighth in the field.

Cardinals golfer Dylan Hale prepares to launch a hit down the green last week. Hale finished eighth in the Alice Lloyd College Showcase, Aug. 4 in Prestonsburg. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

James gave the Lady Cardinals another first-place finish. She shot a 54 to win the 15-16 girls division and finished second overall in the showcase.

“Mia has also made tremendous progress from last season, and her finish is a reflection of the work she has put in,” Newsome said. “Ryder and Mia are both still very young, and they have bright futures ahead of them. They work hard, and it’s great to see that hard work starting to pay off.”

Jayla Savage winds up for a drive Aug. 4 at StoneCrest. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Martin County also sent three newcomers onto the course for their first competitive match. Sophie Hinkle, Jayla Savage and Karlee Fletcher competed for the Lady Cardinals. The young group is taking direction from Head Coach Boo Newsome and is expected to improve over the course of the season.

Three Lady Cardinals golfers shot in their first golf showcase last week in Prestonsburg. From left: Martin County assistant coach Lance Tackett, Jayla Savage, Sophie Hinkle, Karlee Fletcher and head coach Boo Newsome. (Citizen photo by Brittni McCoy)

Martin County followed the showcase with the Pikeville Invitational on Saturday as the Cardinals prepared for the All “A” Region Tournament at StoneCrest Monday night.

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