Stokes qualified as a medalist from the 5A Region I Tournament in Lubbock April 13-14. He posted a score of even-par 144 (71-73) over the Lake Ridge Country Club course to tie for third individually.
The top three teams and top three individuals not on those teams qualified for state April 27-28 at Legacy Hills Golf Course in Georgetown. Among those not on a qualifying team, Stokes tied Burleson Centennial's Brooks Keen for the second lowest score - four strokes behind overall low medalist Grant Duwe of Abilene.
"Braden is more mature, being a senior, he's experienced, he's been there before, those are all very important," Aledo coach Brian Mourning said. "I like his chances to go down there and do well."
Stokes also qualified individually in 2024 as a sophomore. As a freshman, he was a member of the last Bearcats’ squad to qualify as a team in 2023.
Argyle won the team championship at regionals with a score of 610, followed by Abilene Wylie with a 618 and Amarillo at 619 as qualifying teams. The Bearcats finished seventh with a 632 (314-318).
"We were 16 shots better than last year when we were only six shots back," Mourning said. "If you had told me we'd average 316 I would have told you I like our chances."
Had they posted that score last year the Bearcats would have been the third qualifying team.
"There was some great golf played out here - and that includes us. It's just that some teams played even greater," Mourning continued. "But I'm proud of the boys. They improved a lot - but there was just a lot of really, really good golf played these two days. A 619 didn't even make it out."
Mourning was referencing District 5-5A champion Granbury, which tied with Amarillo for third, but lost a playoff.
"Any of those teams that advanced (to state) has a chance down there," Mourning said.
Also for the Bearcats, junior Evan Boukadoum and sophomore Alec Dolman each shot 164, while seniors Logan Lund and Maddox Jessup came in with scores of 165 and 166, respectively.
The four lowest individual scores in each round comprise the team scores.
The Aledo girls were playing in their regional tournament on the same course at press time. The Ladycats are seeking their first state tournament berth as a team since 2023, while senior Emily Crick is looking for her third state tourney qualification after being a part of that team and returning individually in 2025.
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