The Choctaw County girls golf team completed its first year at the Class II state match at Hillandale Country Club in Corinth with a team score of 480. Blake Helms had 240 for two rounds, Jenna Bellew 246 and Mary Claire Cage 247.
Mary Ann Beals, volunteer assistant coach for the girls team, said the team pretty much started from scratch, “Because of the rain, we didn't start until mid-March,” she said.
“They didn't have clubs. They were using my clubs, they were using their daddy's clubs, whatever clubs they could find to use.
“I had to find girls who were willing to walk 18 holes. I told them that we might never win a state championship, but that's okay. This is something they can do when they're 45 years old.”
She noted significant improvement during the season with greater confidence. “They learned how to use their clubs, when to use what. They learned the game.”
Holmes is a junior, Cagle and Bellew sophomores. Beals said they will be pushed for playing time next year by some younger players. Emma Grace Loper is a freshman, Rivers Cagle, Mary Claire's sister, and Payton Payne are seventh graders.
Beals said Rivers Cagle is going to be a good player. “She has natural ability.”
Choctaw County will be in Class II, Region 4 next year with Choctaw Central, Greenwood and St. Andrew's.
Vancleave won the state title with a 302 team score. Riley Mayhew of Nettleton was medalist with rounds of 67 and 70.
Choctaw County's boys team competed in the 3A state match Monday and Tuesday at Hillandale.
