Gentry qualifies for state tourney

Avon Park junior Greg Gentry shot an even-par 72 to finish third individually in the Class 1A-Region 5 golf tournament at The Eagles Golf Club on Monday.

Gentry's third-place finish qualified him for next week's Class 1A state tournament at Juliette Falls Golf Course in Dunnellon.

Avon Park shot a four-person team score of 354 for 18 holes to finish fifth, as senior Clay Davis shot an 84 and Evan Danzey and Chad Marley each shot a 99 on the tight and challenging Eagles Golf Club layout.

"It's exciting that Greg made it to state," said Red Devils coach Bobby Barben. "He played well on a tree-lined, tight course and did a good job of keeping his ball in play.

"We didn't play that well as a team, but we had a good season and the boys did the best they could on a tough golf course against outstanding competition."

Only the top two teams and top four individuals from the nine-team tournament advanced to next week's two-day state tournament.

Northside Christian finished first with a 326 and Tampa Jesuit placed second at 329.

Gentry is the first Red Devils boys golfer to advance to the state tournament in many years, according to Barben.

"There may have been someone in the late 70s from the Avon Park boys golf team that made it to state when Pete DuPriest was there," said Barben. "But no one since then for sure, and it's great that Greg gets to experience playing against the best in the state."

GIRLS GOLF: Red Devils finish strong

The Avon Park girls golf team finished up a great season by shooting a 476 at the Class 1A-Region 5 tournament on Monday at The Eagles Golf Club.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the nine-team field and were led by senior Paige Moffat's 100, Angela Bateman carded a 112, Sarah Hunnicutt had a 114 and Katelynn Stoll rounded out the team scoring with a 141.

"The course is tree-lined and tight with lots of water and played very tough," said Avon Park coach Suzie Gentry. "I'm so proud of all the girls because they worked harder on their games than ever before and it really paid off.

"It was a great experience for the girls to play against that kind of competition, and with four of them coming back for next year we should be in great shape."

Blue Streaks play well

ORLANDO - The Sebring girls golf team shot a four-person team score of 379 in the Class 2A-Region 3 tournament at Hunter's Creek Golf Club on Monday.

The Blue Streaks finished fifth in the 10-team competition and sophmore Lindsey Lovett led the way with a 90, Camiel White and Sarah Liles shot 96 and Savana Fisher carded a 97.

"I'm really pleased with the effort the girls put in," said first-year Sebring coach Debbie McNall. "Hunter's Creek had a lot of water and the competition was really tough. The girls hung in there, held their heads up and finished strong.

"We went undefeated during the regular season and had a lot of fun this year and I couldn't be prouder of what we were able to accomplish."