News-Times Staff
SEARCY - The 6A-South Boys Golf Tournament took place Tuesday at the Searcy Country Club.
Pete Carroll was the Wildcats’ top performer as he shot 82, which was good enough for third place. Baylee George joined Carroll among the Wildcats who finished in the top five, as he shot an 84 - which resulted in him finishing fourth in the 6A-South.
“The course played tough,” said El Dorado Golf Coach Chris Ezell. “A lot of players had higher numbers than what we’re used to seeing them finish with. The greens were really fast, and the players had to adjust.
“But, we finished second in the conference and are currently tied for sixth overall - with Greenwood - going into day two of the state tournament.”
Both Carroll, a junior, and George, a senior, were named 6A-South All-Conference.
The 6A-South individual champion is Texarkana’s Ethan Eppinette, who shot 77. Sam Eddington, of Benton, was second with a total of 78. Fifth place went to Brayden Smith, of Benton, who also had a total of 84.
As a team, El Dorado finished second with a total of 351. The league champion is Benton which shot a 332. Texarkana was third with a total of 364, Lake Hamilton 417, Sheridan was fifth as it posted a score of 421.
The 6A-South champion Benton, was bolstered by Eddington, Braden Smith, who shot 84, Spencer Owens and Brendon Little both had a score of 85, while Gunner Hughes shot 89. Texarkana was led by Eppinette who shot 77. Patrick Flanigan had an 85, while Matt Roberts shot 98.
For El Dorado, Carroll shot 82, George had an 84, Jay Brooks finished with a 91, Keyshawn Denny shot 94, while Brady Moore finished with a score of 98.
Today, El Dorado will attempt to rise up the state tourney standings. Currently, Jonesboro is in first place with a 14-shot lead. Searcy enters the state tourney in second place.
“Hopefully, we play a little better (on day two). There are four seniors in the group who are playing their last round as a Wildcat,” Ezell stated. “I know they want to go out with a bang.”