Allen paces Miners at state
Photo by CALEB MCDONALD Miner Hunter Gust tees off during the opening round of play at the 2A state golf competition.
WORLEY — The Wallace boys golf team had a solid showing during the 2A state golf competition at Circling Raven Golf Course finishing 10th among active teams.
Coach Bob Ranells was pleased with how the boys played and credited the tough course with providing a challenging state event.
“We thought our players played hard and improved over the course of the two days,” Ranells said. “The Raven plays long, and the distance between greens and the next tee boxes are often quite long, especially in 84-degree temperature, certainly something we haven’t been accustomed to this season. We were surprised that players weren’t taken on carts for the extremely long distances between tees and greens.”
Miner Josh Allen really carried the team on his back in day one of competition, shooting a stellar 84 and finishing with a team high of 179.
Ranells discussed what he believes the most important part of the competition was, and how his players grew throughout.
“Our players learned a great deal from this challenging tournament. Players who played all yearlong have a great advantage when it comes to an event like this,” Ranells said. “The driver is less important than playing in the short grass. In order to score well, the short game is critical. Chipping and putting typically determine the winners in the game of golf.”
Ranells and fellow coach Marcia Howard are excited for the team moving forward after this experience.
“We are excited for next year with four boys and two girls from the teams returning,” Ranells said. “We will need to spend plenty of time on the course this summer.”
Wallace lady golfer Kayla Bayer competed as an individual, finishing with a score of 259.
Wallace boys individual scores:
Josh Allen 84-95—179
Hunter Gust 94-86—180
Logan Hull 105-106—211
Hayden Hogamier 112-121—233
Thomas Southard 127-120—247
Boys Team Scores:
1, Cole Valley Christian 316-318—634.
2, Grace 333-333—666.
3, Declo 353-346—699.
4, Salmon 361-343—704.
5, Community School 355-356—711.
6, Bear Lake 362-359—721.
7, Nampa Christian 380-381—761.
8, McCall-Donnelly 383-384—767.
9, Liberty Charter 393-382—775.
10, Wallace 395-407—802.
11, St. Maries 406-408—814.
12, Watersprings 454-418—872.