First appearances aren’t always what they seem. Two weeks after finishing second, four strokes behind Northwest, in the Boys District 5-5A Preview at Sugar Tree Golf Course in Lipan, the Aledo Bearcats won the district championship on the same course.
The Bearcats Black Team posted a score of 633, opening with a 314 on Monday, April 1, and following with a 319 on April 2. It was 23 strokes better than runner-up Northwest Blue at 656 (329-327).
Both teams qualified for the Class 5A Region I Tournament April 15-16 at Hillcrest Golf Course in Lubbock. Joining them will be the two low individuals not on those teams from district, Northwest medalist Tristen Musacchio (80-82 = 162) and Jase Potts of Wichita Falls Rider (79-84 = 163).
From regionals the top three teams and three lowest-scoring individuals not on those teams will advance to state April 29-30 at Legacy Hills Golf Club in Georgetown.
Aledo Orange shot 712 (348-364) to tie for fifth.
Individual leaders
Leading the Aledo Black contingent were Jett Moore (80-77) and Ethan Elmore (78-79), who tied for low medalist at 157 each. Moore won a one-hole playoff.
“It was pretty fun to watch those two in a playoff,” Aledo coach Brian Mourning said. “I’m so proud of the way they played. I’m proud of the whole team.”
Braden Stokes of Aledo Black was fourth individually with a 159 (79-80), Helton Mosiello was eighth with a 164 (81-83), and Gavin Beard narrowly missed a top-10 finish, placing 11th with a 168 (77-91).
The four lowest individual scores comprise the team score in each round.
“I think our kids were just ready. Getting beat in the district preview left a sour taste in our mouths,” Mourning said. “It made our guys open up their eyes. It was good for us. We need to be pushed.
“I’m really happy with how they played and how they handled the wind conditions on the second day. Gavin going out and shooting 77 on that first day, I’m really proud of him. And for Ethan to come through big for us, that was critical.”
Elmore was listed as the No. 5 player on the Black team and Beard was No. 4 before the tournament began. They quickly rose to the top of the leaderboard, with Beard leading after the first day and Elmore second.
“I have guys in the program who can do that. It shows how deep we are.”
Aledo Orange was led by Brian Yarbrough with a 169 (85-84), followed by Tyler Anderson, 177 (89-88); William Kirkman, 186 (90-96); Maddux Jessup, 190 (84-96); and Cade Moore, 192 (91-101).
Regionals
The tournament’s second day featured some testy winds and even some nippy temperatures, both of which are commonplace in Lubbock this time of year.
“To hit a ball and try to put in a narrow fairway (at Sugar Tree), and to have success, I’m proud of our kids and the way they handled themselves,” Mourning said. “There’s no holes out there that give you a break.
“Today was a lot like the wind we’ll probably be facing in Lubbock. Our kids know how to hit in the wind.”
As for the teams to beat at the regional tournament, Mourning noted Lubbock Cooper because they will be on their home course. He also said foes such as Amarillo Tascosa, Argyle, Grapevine, Colleyville Heritage - and also Northwest - will pose challenges as his team tries to make another state tournament appearance.
The Bearcats last advanced to state as a team in 2022. Last season Braylon Mahanay, now playing at Weatherford College, qualified individually.
“We’ve got to have all five of our guys shoot in the 70s,” Mourning said. “I think it’s wide open with six or seven teams vying for three spots.”
Ladycats
The Aledo Ladycats were defending their District 5-5A championship at press time. That tournament was also being played at Sugar Tree.
The girls regional tournament is set for April 17-18 at Lake Ridge Golf Course in Lubbock.
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