For a pair of Havre High golfers, the 2011 Class A state golf tournament was an experience which won’t be forgotten. For another, it was a difficult weekend.
Blue Ponies Simon McCann, Sam Lippy and Nikki Gabrielson made the trip to the Class A state tournament this weekend, which was held at the Hamilton Golf Club in Hamilton. And both McCann and Lippy had strong finishes to their season.
McCann, making his second straight appearance at the state tourney, finished strong with an 83 on Saturday. It was a great round for McCann and one of his best of his last season of high school golf. McCann shot a 91 in the first round on Friday, giving him a two-day total of 174. Lippy was also solid on the second day. He shot an 87 on his second 18 holes after shooting 95 on Friday. After 36 holes of competition, Lippy finished with a 182 for the tournament.
Gabrielson was never able to get going on Friday morning. The Blue Pony sophomore suffered an illness early in the first round and had to withdraw from the tournament. Gabrielson had birdied her first hole of the day, but was unable to continue. It was her first state tournament in just her first season of high school golf.
In the team races, the Hamilton boys took advantage of the home course, winning the state team title by a commanding margin. Hamilton captured its second straight Class A title with a final score of 614. Livingston was a distant second with a total of 652 and Whitefish was one stroke back, in third place with a 653. Hamilton’s Eli Rogers earned medalist honors for the weekend by shooting a 36-hole total 139.
On the girls side, Polson easily captured the state championship with a two-day total of 784. The Pirates way outdistanced second-place Livingston, which came in at 804. Laurel was third at 806. Laurel’s McKenzie Webinger won the girls individual state title with a 36-hole score of 158.
2011 Class A State Golf Tournament
at Hamilton Golf Club
BOYS
Team scores: Hamilton 312-302-614, Livingston 320-332-652, Whitefish 327-326-653, Sidney 330-324-654, Belgrade 335-328-663, Laurel 333-331-664, Miles City 346-340-686, Dillon 368-360-728, Anaconda 369-375-744, Frenchtown 375-371-746, Lewistown 378-371-749, Libby 380-372-752.
Top 15 individuals
Eli Rogers, Ham 139; Decker Willson, Liv 143; Tyler Jessop, Ham 147; Dylan Meccage, Lau 149; Reed Platke, WF 150; Eric Olive, Bel 150; Paul Brannan, Sid 159; Bobby Frank, Sid 160; Zach Klonsinski, Bel 162; Kyle Lubke, Ham 163; Bryce Anderson, MC 163; Jesse Kynett, Lew 163; William McFarland, MC 164; Zach Palmer, Gle 164; Parker Johnson, CF 164.
Havre High — Simon McCann 91-83-174; Sam Lippy 95-87-182.
GIRLS
Team scores: Polson 395-389-784, Livingston 397-407-804, Laurel 388-418-806, Whitefish 402-411-813, Anaconda 428-449-877, Lewistown 444-446-890, Dillon 450-441-891, Browning 449-464-913, BillingsCentral 471-470-941, Hamilton 480-462-942, Glendive 472-474-946.
Top 15 individuals
McKenzie Webinger, Lau 158; Kyla Clancy, BC 162; Erin Tabish, WF 165; Alexandra Huber, Ana 191; Emily Buckner, Liv 192; Christal Tokash, Liv 192; Makaliah Wilson, Pol 194; Carlee Hart, Lau 194; Jaylin Kenney, Pol 195; Anna DiGiallonardo, Pol 195; Allie Middlestadt, Gle 195; McKenah Blume, Ana 198; Madison Blass, FT 199; Kat Medland, Pol 200; Ashton Smith, Bro 200.
Havre High — Nikki Gabrielson - WD.
