Crowley, Wilks lead Bulldogs at Lakeland
(Photo by ERIC PLUMMER) Cheyenne Nicholson, pictured on her home course on Monday, shot a 114 at the Links on Friday.
POST FALLS — Nick Crowley led the Bulldogs for the second straight round, carding an 82 to beat teammate Lake Wilks by one stroke while leading Sandpoint at the Lakeland Invite on Friday.
The boys team played at Twin Lakes, in what will serve as the final tune-up for the districts meet on Monday. The Lakeland boys had a strong showing on Friday, with two shooters in the 70s, and will be the favorite to win the boys district title on their home course at The Links.
Tharp said his team has the talent to make a run at Lakeland, but it won’t be easy.
“It’s going to be tight, everyone will be nervous,” admitted Sharp, as the pressure will be on Lakeland. “It’s Lakeland’s home course, they’ve played it quite a bit. It’s anybody’s game.”
Damien Fitzpatrick and Joel Johnson shot 91, Caelan Darling 94 and Jacob Humrich 95 to round out the boys scores on a tough day where the team scored 347, well behind the Hawks.
“Most of them did well when the wind was at their back, not so well when they played into the wind,” claimed Tharp. “We putted pretty well. Lakeland shot low scores of 77 and 78.”
The girls team played at The Links, getting a preview of the district course. Caroline Hawkins shot 102, Cheyenne Nicholson 114 and Morgan Hogue 122, as two of the Bulldogs were taking AP tests and missed the round. Tharp noted Nina McDonnell shot a 90 during a practice round at the Links earlier this week.
The Bulldog girls have a shot to win the team title, and the team berth at state. After that, the top three scorers in the district tourney earn at-large bids, and Tharp figures to have some players in that mix as well.
“It’s going to be really close on the top three individuals going to state,” he said, casting an eye to districts on Monday and playing for state spots. “The key is to figure out where the flag will be. There’s a lot of undulating greens, if you get on the wrong side of the pin you’re looking at a three putt. They’ve made notes on that.”
The 4A Region 1 golf tournament tees off on Monday, at 10 a.m. at the Links. The top teams, and top three individuals qualify for state.
n Bulldog JV golfers team up in scramble
In the first of what organizers hope becomes an annual event, 60 area JV golfers took part in a two-person scramble.
Caleb Fingel and Caelan Darling combined for a 91, while Jaden Dumars and Brayden Payne shot 110. Sam Aguirre teamed up with a Post Falls golfer to shoot 88.
Bulldog golf coach Tom Tharp said it was a great experience for the kids, most of whom have only hit into nets.
“It’s the first time some of these kids have played more than three holes in their life. The had a great time,” said Tharp, who marveled at how well they putted. “There were no three-putts. They mastered the greens pretty good.”