Havre golfers ready for Central A meet

The fall is officially upon us, and for high school golfers, that means it's time for the postseason.

For the Havre High boys and girls golf teams, the postseason begins Saturday when the Blue Ponies compete at the Central A Divisional golf tournament in Lewistown. The 18-hole tournament, which qualifies teams and individuals for next week's Class A state meet, will be held at Judith Shadows Golf Club.

The Ponies, under new head coach McKinsey Rodriguez, don't have a lot of divisional experience on their roster.

On the girls side, HHS is in the team competition for the first time in three years. The Ponies will take four golfers to Lewistown, but only Rebekah Martin has divisional experience. Martin is a two-time All-Conference performer and is seeking her third berth in the Class A state meet. She also figures to be among the medalist contenders on Saturday. Samantha French, as well as freshmen Boston Swenson and Katie Beck round out the Blue Pony lineup.

On the boys side, HHS will count on veteran Simon McCann to lead the way. McCann has played at the divisional level before, as has teammates Sam Lippy and Ramsey Drew. The Ponies are seeking their first berth as a team in the Class A state tournament since 2007.

"All of our players have improved as the season has gone on," Rodriguez said. "But on both sides, collectively, we need to be about 12 strokes better this tournament, and if we do that, I think we'll be in good shape."

In the girls meet, Livingston is the clear-cut favorite. The Rangers are loaded with talented golfers who can go low. Belgrade is also strong, but after that, Havre, Browning and Lewistown will battle for the remaining sport to go to state.

The HHS boys also have an up-hill climb. Belgrade has been dominant since joining the Central A. The Ponies will have to battle with Livingston, Lewistown, Butte Central and Browning for a berth in the state tournament, which will be held next week in Laurel.

The Central A meet will get underway Saturday morning in Lewistown.