Ladycats, Bearcats prepping for more success

The Aledo golf program has a long history of sending golfers to state in the spring. And it all starts with success in the fall.

"This fall is about getting all the kids experience against some quality competition," coach Brian Mourning said. "This will give us a look at what we can expect for the spring."

The Ladycats qualified the entire team for state last season, a third consecutive year. The boys were represented by the now graduated Braylon Mahanay, who is now competing for Weatherford College.

Back from that Ladycats team who competed at state are senior Kyla Morales and sophomore Emily Crick. They will be joined on the varsity by fellow returning seniors Sara Michaelis and Kennedi Parker, along with juniors Reagan Gilliland and Abby Gray and sophomore Karlee Shaw.

The Bearcats narrowly missed returning as a team to state in the spring. Back among those who competed at regionals are senior Jett Moore, junior Helton Mosiello and sophomore Grayson Freeman. They will be joined by senior Cade Moore, junior Ethan Elmore and sophomore Braydon Stokes as varsity returners.

Who will be on the Black and Orange Teams for boys and girls has not been determined. In fact, there is an ongoing competition weekly, Mourning said.

"We do not have set teams for the year. We will qualify for tournaments," he said.

A few boys who could make the jump up from junior varsity, Mourning said, include senior Johnnie Reed and juniors Brian Yarbrough and William Kirkman. Also, freshman Tyler Anderson could make an impact, Mourning added.

And while district competition is a long way away in the spring, the fall can give coaches and players a glimpse of who their biggest threats will be come the district tournament. Last season, as has been the case for many years, the Ladycats and Bearcats won district in runaway fashion.

"Granbury has most of there girls team coming back. They placed second at district last year.  On the guys side, Rider has some kids that can play," Mourning said.

The Bearcats begin the season in the Bart Granger Memorial tournament Sept. 15-16 at Pecan Valley Golf Course in Fort Worth. The 54-hole tournament features a grueling 36 holes on Friday, followed by 18 on Saturday.

The Ladycats start the season the same weekend at the Granbury Fall Classic at Harbor Lakes Golf Club, a 36-hole event.