Middlesboro senior Michael Wilson watches a drive sail up the fairway after a tee shot earlier this season. Wilson finished in a tie with Harlan County's Jacob Cornett for Tri-County Conference player of the year honors.

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The Middlesboro High School boy’s golf team finished off the regular season in style by capturing the Tri-County Conference tournament on Thursday at Wasioto Winds.

The Jackets posted a team total of 162, finishing ahead of runner-up Barbourville by only two strokes. Harlan County and Knox Central finished in a tie for third at 170. Bell County finished fifth place and were followed by Harlan and Pineville.

MHS had already won the regular season by going unbeaten in conference play. Also at stake on Thursday was Player of the Year honors.

Middlesboro’s Michael Wilson held a four point advantage over Jacob Cornett from Harlan County going into the conference tournament. Cornett went out and shot a very solid 1-under, 35. The medalist for the tournament would get 4 points, which Cornett received after defeating MHS golfer Eric Francis (who also shot a 35) in a one hole playoff.

After much deliberation between the coaches of both players, as well as the players themselves, they realized it was too dark to play and were declared Co-Players of the Year.

“What a super round of golf for Eric, he was the difference maker for us today. Without his round we were beat,” said MHS coach Greg Lasley. “Barbourville came ready to play and I told the guys before the start of play, everybody wants to beat us today. Michael had a tough few holes in the middle of the round, I was hoping he could win this thing outright. He was just so happy for Eric and the rest of the team.”

Other golfers playing for MHS were Micah Robbins who posted a 41, J.P. Maiden carded a 46 and Luke Boyd posted a 48. Middlesboro’s golf team will leave on Monday morning for the regional tournament at Woodsen Bend in Somerset. Monday will be spent as a practice day and the tournament will consist of 18 holes on Tuesday.

“I am just so proud of these guys and what they have accomplshed so far this season. They know what they have to do at the Region to compete, now it is time to go do it,” Lasley added. “No matter what happens, these guys have been great this year.”