The Middlesboro boy’s golf team returned to the course on Monday to play host to Pineville and Bell County in a tri-match at the Middlesboro Country Club. The Jackets turned in a team total of 171 to take first place in the match. Bell County placed second with a team total of 190 and Pineville finished third, turning in a total of 209. MHS senior co-captain, Michael Wilson, was medalist in the match with a one-over-par, 37.
“Michael was solid for us today, he leads us by his play and encourages other players on the team to always play with focus, “ said Jacket coach Greg Lasley.
Bell County was led by Chase Pursifull with a 43, and Seth Jeffrey shot a 45 for Pineville.
All three teams have joined the newly formed Tri-County conference to enhance regular season play. Other teams in the conference are Barbourville, Knox Central, Harlan and Harlan County.
“By forming this conference, this will give our golfers extra incentive to play well on a individual basis and as a team. We will have a regular season champion and a team champion. The season ending conference tournament will be right before the regional tournament at the end of September,” Lasley added. “Our play on Monday was a conference match between us and Bell County. It was really good to get that win and get conference play off to a good start for our guys.”
On Tuesday, the Yellow Jackets traveled to Cedar Hills in Jonesville to play in the Farmers and Miners Invitational hosted by Lee High. MHS had a very impressive team total of 322, which was good enough to place fifth out of 17 teams. The tournament was won by Volunteer High with a total of 307. Individual medalist honors went to Cumberland Gap’s Garret Tucker with a 1 under round of 70.
Middlesboro was led in scoring by senior J.P. Maiden with a very solid 76. Other scores for MHS were Michael Wilson with a 77; Luke Boyd had an 83; and Micah Robbins carded a 86.
“I was extremely proud of the whole team and how we competed against some very good teams and much larger schools,” Lasley said. “That score that J.P. shot was awesome. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached and has a real passion for the game.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before J.P. went low, and for him to do it in this tournament was great. He has put in a lot of practice time on his own, and it was nice for him to see the results of his efforts. This will really help his confidence, as well as our team’s confidence down the road for conference and regional play.”
With a score of 76, Maiden placed sixth individually and made the all-tournament team. Wilson’s score placed him in a tie for eighth position.
“To have two individuals place in the top ten was very impressive. Our team is working hard; they are a great group to coach,” said Lasley.
Middlesboro will return to action on Monday as they travel to Harlan to play the Green Dragons and Harlan County in a tri-match. The team then returns to the Middlesboro Country Club next Thursday to play host to Lee High and J. Frank White.
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