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Devils, Streaks Ready For Regionals

Mark Pinson/Highlands Today

Sebring's Blake Liles and the rest of the Blue Streak boys team compete today in Orlando.

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By MARK PINSON Highlands Today

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 20, 2008

SEBRING - Without a doubt, the high school golf teams in the Heartland have had outstanding seasons.

After making it out of last week's tough district tournaments, the Avon Park and Sebring boys and girls squads are only 18 holes away from qualifying for the state tournament.

The Red Devil boys and Blue Streak boys teams compete in their regional tournaments today, while the girls play on Tuesday.

Avon Park, which finished second with a four-person score of 314 at last week's Class 1A-District 16 district tournament at The Links at Greenfield Plantation, return to the Links for today's round.

"Having played the course is a real advantage for us," said Red Devil coach Bobby Barben said. "It's a tight course with lots of sand and water and we know where the trouble is now.

"The wind was howling at last week's district tournament and we know we have to keep the ball in play to have a chance to qualify for state."

Avon Park sophomore Greg Gentry was medalist last week with an impressive 74, while junior John Tracey placed second with a 75.

Junior Evan Danzey carded an 81, while Clay Davis rounded out the scoring with an 84.

With nine teams competing for only two spots, the Red Devils will have to have solid rounds if they want to move on.

"There are some real strong teams in our region and I think something around 300 will be needed to make it to state," Barben said. "We have the ability to shoot that kind of score, but it's going to take four good rounds to accomplish that."

Avon Park has been fine-tuning their games in practice for today's regional.

"We were a little sloppy in Wednesday's practice, but we came back strong and had a good two days of practice after that," said Barben. "The boys know the course and what kind of strategy is needed to score well on The Links.

"In fact, I hope it's windy again because the harder the conditions, the better our chances are."

The Sebring boys finished third at last week's Class 2A-District 9 tournament at Imperial Lakes Country Club in Lakeland with a four-person score of 327, which was also played in windy conditions.

Senior Zach Foster led the way with a 78, junior Blake Liles carded an 80, sophomore Sean Garner had an 82 and senior John Vicker Jr. came in with an 87.

"It was very windy and it made the course play really tough," said first-year Blue Streak coach Vince Liles. "There were only five scores in the 70s out of 60 players."

The Blue Streaks travel to Orlando for today's tournament at Wekiva Country Club

"Wekiva is a nice course that will give up some birdies," said Coach Liles. "You can't spray the ball off the tee because there are lots of trees and sands traps.

"It's tight and long and we're in a tough regional with some very talented teams, but if we stay focused and patient, we have the ability to shoot some good scores."

The Sebring girls placed second at the 2A district tournament at Bartow Country Club with a four-person score of 386.

Senior Priscilla Adams shot an 89, while junior Camiel White had a 90.

"Making regionals was our main goal this year," said first-year Blue Streak coach Jeff Hendges. "It's exciting to see the girls do so well."

Sebring travels to Orlando for Tuesday's regional tournament at Deer Run Country Club.

"The girls have worked hard this year and deserve the chance to compete for a place at state," Hendges said.

The Avon Park girls, for the first time in school history, qualified for regionals by placing third with a four-person score of 432 at the Class 1A district tournament at The Links in Bradenton.

Senior Courtney Robinson led the way with a 98, Sarah Hunnicutt had a 105, Paige Moffat carded a 107 and Angela Bateman shot a 122.

"I'm so proud of the girls," said first-year Red Devil coach Suzie Gentry. "It was very windy and the course was playing extremely hard.

"We were able to stay focused and play our game and make it out of districts."

Avon Park heads back to The Links for Tuesday's regional tournament.

"We know the course and where we need to hit the ball," Gentry said. "We've had a lot of fun and I think the girls have learned a lot about golf this year.

"We're looking forward to competing against some of the top teams in the state."

Mark Pinson can be reached at 863-386-5837 or mpinson@highlandtoday.com

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