Parkers Chapel didn’t waste any time getting the golf ball rolling this season. PC’s boys and girls have played twice with two more matches scheduled for this week.
Both teams advanced to the state tournament a year ago. They have no plans to end that tradition.
“I always have a good group of kids who are willing to play and do their part so I am hopeful about our chances,” said Coach Mona Williams.
The Lady Trojans return two girls from last year’s district championship team that finished fifth in the 2A State Tournament. One of those is All-State sophomore Bella Frisby, along with sophomore Reaux McAuliffe. They will be joined by newbies Makenzie Morgan and Lakyn Myers.
“We have two beginners, pretty much. One is really a beginner and one has played some on her own but is a beginner to high school golf. So those have a learning curve,” Williams said. “They’ve got to catch up a little bit. Of course, Bella is a huge asset and then Reaux having experience, she’s playing much better this year. Those two together and hopefully we can get our two beginners along during the season to where once conference and state hits, they’re in better tournament shape. I’m hoping our girls, with a little bit of luck, can repeat with a conference championship.”
The Trojans finished second to Spring Hill in the district tournament. Williams said the boys will also have some new faces.
“We’ve lost several. Caleb Barnes is unable to play this year due to an injury to his arm. Spencer (Frisby) also is nursing a pitcher’s arm from last year, although he’s still able to play. He’s going to be a huge asset,” she said.
The team also includes Brayden Cotterman, Trey Rogers, Landon Black, Hayden Primm and Gage Cotterman.
“Landon Black is a freshman but he’s played golf his whole life, basically, with his dad so he’s going to be a huge asset this year,” Williams said.
“Landon and Spencer will probably be our one and two this year. Brayden, Trey and who knows what the beginners will do, will fight for that three and four spot.”
PC’s boys and girls’ teams both finished second Wednesday in a five-team tournament at DeQueen Country Club that included Spring Hill, DeQueen, Foreman and Cossatot River.
The top three scores count in team competition. PC has experience at the top of the order. Williams hopes to find some consistency and a solid third scorer this season for both squads.
“It depends on how they develop in their tournament play throughout the season,” she said. “Tournament play and practice play is totally different. The pressure is just different. We’ll see how their tournament play develops as the year progresses.”