Three years ago, Kamiak freshman Seo Hee Moon won the individual title and led the school to a team victory at the 4A state tournament.
This year if she can do it again she may have company.
Moon and fellow Kamiak golfer Mark Strickland have an outside shot at winning the girls and boys indiviual titles, respectively, at this week’s state tournaments.
After being edged out for the top honor at the last two championships, both the Kamiak team and Moon, now a senior, have another chance at a first-place victory beginning today at the 4A girls state tournament at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.
But the road to the top may not be easy.
“Redmond is going to be a team that has depth so I think they’re going to be the team to beat and will probably win state,” said Kamiak girls golf coach Bud Davis. “But with a little luck, perhaps we can be in the mix.”
Moon won her fourth 4A District 1 title last week. Senior Rachel Choi (second in district) and sophomore Grace Choi (14th) will also represent Kamiak in the state tournament.
“I’m excited for the two seniors to do well but I’m also excited that Grace Choi played well enough to make it to state,” said Davis. “She’s an up-and-coming star.”
On the boy’s side, Strickland is a strong contender after winning the district title on a one-hole playoff. Strickland finished in a three-way tie with Jackson’s Connor Miele and Trent Livingstone.
Led by Miele and Livingston, Jackson, which has five golfers advancing to the 4A boys state tournament, is the team to watch.
Junior and three-time state competitor Miele, who placed third in last week’s 4A District 1 tournament, leads the young squad against the state’s best golfers today at Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick.
“I think one thing that gives Jackson an edge over opponents is the depth of our team,” said Jackson boys golf coach Jim Anderson. “A lot of teams have two or three quality golfers but we had six players who were able to put up good numbers at any time this year.”
Also advancing to state for Jackson are juniors Livingston (second in district) and Barrett McGinnis (12th), sophomore David Won (ninth) and freshman Kyle Cornett (fifth).
“If all five of the players play to their capabilities, I really like our chances for positive results (at state),” said Anderson.
3A golf tournaments
After finishing in sixth place two years in a row, the Everett girls golf team has a good chance of breaking into the top five this year at the 3A girls state tournament, which begins today at Horn Rapids Golf Club in Richland.
The Seagulls wrapped up the 3A District 1 title on May 19 with strong performances by senior Stefanie Soelling (first place) and sophomore Jody Barhanovich (second). Both girls are experienced at the state level with Soelling finishing 20th in last year’s championship and Barhanovich placing an impressive 10th place as a freshman.
“I would expect them to finish in the top 15,” said Everett girls golf coach Jane Johnson. “There are probably girls that have a lower handicap (than Soelling and Barhanovich) but on any given day, anyone could come out on top.”
Also advancing to state for Everett is junior Hanna Vanucie, a skier who decided to focus on golf this season. Her efforts paid off with a seventh place finish at district.
“Vanucie was a little bit of a surprise,” said Johnson. “At the beginning of the season I wouldn’t have expected her to make it to state … I knew she was capable but now she’s become consistent.”
A three-way tie for fifth place at the 3A boys district tournament sends senior Josh Bennett and freshmen Conner Dennessen and Ben Richards to represent Glacier Peak in the state tournament.
Last year, the Grizzlies placed 13th and Bennett, the only golfer returning to state for Glacier Peak, tied for 38th.
The 3A boys competition starts today at the Meadow Springs Country Club in Richland.
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