Bears prepare for region championship on home course
By Anne Marie Kyzer Staff Writer

Keller shot 70 to lead the Bears in their victory over Thomson last week.

The Bears are gearing up for the region golf tournaments to be held at Waynesboro Country Club next week.

While the boys and girls have posted winning scores for most of the season, their region standing will hinge on their performances next Monday and Tuesday.

Coach Wade Marchman said he's excited about the potential his golfers have shown.

"This is what they've practiced for all year…to get ready for this one day," he said. "They've worked hard, and I appreciate their effort."

The girls' region tournament will be held Monday, April 23. The nine teams expected to compete will tee off at 9 a.m.

The boys' region tournament will follow on Tuesday, April 24, at 9 a.m., and 12 teams will compete for the title.

The girls and boys each tucked away three more wins over the past few days.

The girls defeated Thomson High School last Thursday with their 193 to the Lady Bulldogs' 209. Lauren Pavao shot 95 and Kayla Smith shot 98 for the Lady Bears' win.

The boys defeated Thomson as well, recording a 304, while the Bulldogs shot 348.

John Keller led the Bears with 70, followed by Buck Bell's 74, Evans Horton's 78 and Lance Arrington's 82.

The Bears went on to take down Hephzibah and Washington County high schools Monday afternoon by 68 and 95 strokes, respectively.

Chris Gallagher led the way with 76, Logan Fairley shot 79, Evans Horton shot 84, and John Keller shot 89.

The Lady Bears also faired well against the girls from Hephzibah and Washington County.

Mollie Mitchell shot 99 and Kayla Smith shot 101 for the Lady Bears' even 200. The Lady Rebels recorded 234 strokes and the Lady Golden Hawks 260.

Coach Marchman hopes the teams will encore their performances against Thomson when they play for the region title, with the girls shooting around 190 and the boys keeping it under 305. He said patience will be the key.

"Hopefully, we'll come out and play our A game those days," Coach Marchman said. "We'll tee off and see what happens."