The Salem High golfers will put it all on the line Monday when play in the Region 4D sub-region tournament at the Green Folly Golf Course in South Boston. The tournament will start at 10 am and will include Salem, Blacksburg, Jefferson Forest, E.C. Glass and host Halifax County.
“We have to be a top two team in the sub-region to advance to region, along with the top four individuals not on those two teams,” said Salem coach Blaine Hancock. “Hopefully we can make another deep run again this year.”
Blacksburg is a heavy favorite to advance, leaving one spot up for grabs for the other four teams. Then, if Salem can finish one or two, the Spartans would have to finish in the top two teams at the Region 4D tournament to advance to the state. The region tournament will be held at Ivy Hills the following week.
Salem is tuning up for the big post-season tournaments with matches on back-to-back days this week. On Monday Carroll County hosted Salem and Christiansburg at the Olde Mill Resort in Laurel Fork, VA. The Spartans came out victorious paced by junior Ashnoor Kaur who was spectacular, posting a bogey free 68 (-4) round to win the medalist spot by seven shots.
The Spartans saw four others finish in the top 10 on the day. Senior Zach Bocock got his best finish of the year for third place. Sophomores Eli Wells, Mike Bateman and Croix Bowen each grabbed another top 10 finish. Wells finished sixth, posting an 82, while Bateman and Bowen finished tied for seventh at 84 apiece.
“Olde Mill is always a challenge and I’m glad our group was able to post respectable rounds on a difficult course,” said Hancock.
On Tuesday the Spartans played at the Blacksburg Country Club in the final River Ridge District match of the season. The host Bruins won the round, and the regular season title, by shooting 294 while Salem and Pulaski tied for second at 314. Cave Spring was next at 317, Hidden Valley had 321, Christiansburg 324 and Patrick Henry was seventh with a respectable 328.
Kaur led Salem with a one-over 73. Blacksburg’s Cameron Sharp was medalist with a 69.
Salem finished second on the season in the RRD as a team with Cave Spring and Pulaski tying for third. The Spartans had two players named First Team All River Ridge District, junior Kaur and sophomore Bateman. Freshman McKenzie Eversole finished just outside of second team honors and was named Honorable Mention along with Bowen.
“It’s been a great district season for our group and each one of them had spectacular moments throughout the season,” said Hancock. “I’m proud of each and every member of our team.”
