CHESTER – The Nation Ford Falcons boys golf team won the Region 3-5A tournament at Chester Golf Club.
Nation Ford shot a 296 in the 18-hole tournament and was led by medalist Carter Smith, who was Region Player of the Year, with a two-under 70 (36-34).
James Watchel followed Smith with a one-over 73 (37-35) and Oliver LaPointe with a three-over 75 (37-38) as they both made the All-Region team. Connor Mills finished the scoring for the Falcons with a 78 (37-41).
Fort Mill was second with a 308 and was led by All-Region players Morgan Bayko and Tyson Shouse, both of whom shot 76. Bayko shot an even par 36 and then finished with a 40. Shouse shot a 37 on the front and then a 39 on the back. Baker Tolentino shot a 77 (37-40) for the Jackets, and Noah Jones finished the scoring for Fort Mill with a 79 (39-40).
The top six teams qualified for the 5A Division II championship which will be held Monday, May 4 in Ninety-Six at the Fort Club. The top eight teams that finish the one-day, 18-hole tournament will head to the state championship May 11-12 in Myrtle Beach at The Hackler course on the campus of Coastal Carolina University.
Finishing third in the tournament was Indian Land with both Clover and Rock Hill tying for fourth. Northwestern finished seventh in the seven-team tournament.
Catawba Ridge finished sixth and qualified for the Upper State Championship. The Copperheads shot a 331 and was led by All-Region selection Niam Sethi with a one-over 73 (36-37). Roman Vasicko shot an 83 (43-40) and Muller Otto finished with an 84 (42-42) for Catawba Ridge. Carter Mitten finished the scoring for the Copperheads with a 91 (43-48).
All three local teams will play in the Falcon Cup on Wednesday, April 29 at the Palisades Country Club.
Mac Banks: mac@fortmillprepsports.com, @fortprep
