Bulldogs headed back to state
BLANCHARD — Led by 77's from Wyatt Pearson and Dan Sommerfield, the Sandpoint boys golf team will be heading to state for the third consecutive season, winning the 4A District tournament Wednesday at sun-drenched Stoneridge Golf Club.
It was a career-low score for Wyatt Pearson, who rolled in a 20 foot putt on hole 18 for a birdie, his third consecutive one-putt en route to a 77. Head coach Mike Keough joked that he had good ground strokes, as Pearson is also hoping to qualify for state on the tennis team.
"Today it was my putting, I had a lot of one-putts," said Pearson, noting putting is normally his weakness. "I can't see any connection between the two (sports), I just play them."
Sommerfield finished second, and Pearson third by virtue of where they played in the lineup, helping offset medalist Chris Williams' 67. Colton Story fired an 83, Bryan Keough an 87 and Nicholas Hawkins a 91 as Sandpoint edged Moscow as a team by nine strokes.
"It came out the way I was hoping it would; we covered the strokes from Chris Williams," said coach Keough, calling it a relief when the scores finally come in. "All year long four of the five have played well. They're the most team-oriented team I've ever had."
Bonnie Snow led a balanced Bulldog girls team with a 100, followed by Michelle Stone (104) and Sandy Whalen (106). Moscow won the team title, as well as nabbing the three at-large spots. Head coach Jim Alsager was happy with the way his young and inexperienced team battled all year.
"Moscow graduates two and all of our girls are back," said Alsager. "Next year we have a lot of potential. From where they started, they knocked off a lot of strokes."
The Sandpoint boys will play Monday and Tuesday at the 4A state tournament at the University of Idaho course in Moscow.
At Stoneridge Golf Club Par-71
Top team and top three individuals advance to state
BOYS
MEDALIST — Chris Williams, Mos, 67.
TEAM SCORES — 1, Sandpoint 324. 2, Moscow 333. 3, Lakeland 353.
SANDPOINT — Dan Sommerfield 77 (2nd), Wyatt Pearson 77 (3rd), Colton Story 83, Nicholas Hawkins 91, Bryan Keough 87.
MOSCOW — Chris Williams 67, Shaun Hill 87, Michael Wagner 91, Sam Humble 88, Braden Riggs 91.
LAKELAND — Jesse Cole 84, Tyler Ettner 87, Kevin Rogers 94, Nich Caswell 104, Jayce Sharrai 88.
GIRLS
MEDALIST — Kelli Tatham, Mos, 84.
TEAM SCORES — 1, Moscow 387. 2, Sandpoint 421. 3, Lakeland 453.
MOSCOW — Kelli Tatham 84, Karen Christian 91 (3rd), Jenny Lim 90 (2nd), Morgen Opdenweyer 122, Robin Baker 124.
SANDPOINT — Bonnie Snow 100, Michelle Stone 104, Morgan Braun 111, Ella Gentz 118, Sandy Whalen 106.
? Clark Fork tennis scores big wins at 3A district tennis
Defending state singles champion Rayna Allen cruised in winning both of her matches in straight sets, as did Frederico Moreira in boys singles at the 3A Regional tennis tournament Wednesday in Lewiston. Moreira was down 5-1 after winning the first set, and rallied back for a win in the tie-breaker.
Thomas McMahon and Mike Martin dropped only three games in their straight wins in boys doubles. All four Clark Fork players have ensured a trip to state, and will each play in the finals tomorrow.
The girls doubles team of Amy Gannon and Brittany Yates beat Culdesac, before falling to Clearwater Valley and then defeating Grangeville. Chelsea Macumber lost her first match to Coeur d'Alene Charter's No. 1 player in girls singles, before rallying to win her next to matches in consolation, beating opponents from Deary and Grangeville. All three girls can qualify for state if they win their first matched today in consolation. Head coach Lisa Allen said it was a busy day with four Clark Fork teams playing at once at times.
"I was moving back and forth trying to keep everyone positive," she said.
? Clark Fork golf team ends season
Megan Hess shot a 107, good for third place out of 15 girls at the 3A District golf tournament at Bryden Canyon Golf Course in Lewiston. Carina Lara shot a 123 and Lauren McGinnis a 146 to round out the girls scoring.
Drew Wilkinson shot a 95 to lead the boys team, good enough for ninth place out of 23 boys. Brian Baugh shot 103 and Stetson McElhaney a 130 for the Clark Fork boys. Despite not getting anyone to state, head coach K.C. McDonald was happy with how the meet went.
"Drew did really well, it was his first tournament under a 100," said McDonald. "Brian was close too. Even though no one qualified this year, we're hoping for big things next year."