Havre boys, girls expect to earn state berths
By Jason Shoot
Havre golf coach Keith Evenson has several reasons to feel optimistic about his boys' and girls' chances at the Central A Divisional tournament in Dillon on Saturday.
His boys are showcasing a great deal of depth and consistency, peaking at the right time headed into postseason play, and his girls led by Jessica Sande and Julie Wagner have also improved as the season has progressed and appear ready to surge into the state tournament.
Evenson said his boys will have a great shot at beating Dillon, whom he considers the favorite in the tournament. "They're a good team, and they're playing on their course," he said.
"But all five of our kids have the potential to finish in the top 10," Evenson continued. "We have nothing to lose. If we beat Dillon, it will be a feather in our cap."
Nick Obie was pacing the boys throughout much of the first half of the season, but teammates Jason Johnstone and Kevin Harada have each won tournaments recently, and Troy Toner added a second-place finish.
Dillon is also the favorite in the girls' tournament, Evenson said, but the top four teams will advance to the state tournament. And if the Ponies' recent play is any indication, a state berth is very likely.
"I feel very comfortable we'll make it to state," Evenson said. "The girls are starting to come around."
Sande has been consistently finishing in the top five at most tournaments this year, and Wagner "has really improved," Evenson said.
The state tournament will be held May 15-16 in Anaconda.
