In a possible preview of the District 6-AAA tournament, the Warren County High School boys golf team had a strong showing in the Golf Capital Classic Monday in Crossville.
Playing in a nine-team field, which featured District 6-AAA opponents Cookeville, White County and Cumberland County, the Pioneers placed second with a team score of 321.
Warren County finished two strokes behind the Jets, who won the tournament with 319.
Coach J.W. Holt has seen his boys team make big strides in the last two weeks. After winning back-to-back events last week, the Pioneers were at their best at Lake Tansi golf course Monday.
Tucker Lynn and Houston Wood each turned in rounds of 79, while Nicholas Powell shot 80. Clayton Myers finished out the team score with 83, which left the Pioneers two strokes behind Cumberland County on its home turf. Nick Stern’s 93 didn’t qualify for the team score.
Brock Watson fired 79 for the Pioneers, but his score wasn’t included with the team score because he entered the event as an individual due to the Pioneers already having five players.
Wood took a top individual honor as his shot on No. 15 was the closest to the hole on a par-3 at the event. Wood left his tee shot within five feet of the hole.
Coach Holt believes the event shows the Pioneers can compete in the district when they are playing their best.
“We took another step in the right direction,” said Holt. “We’re getting better every time out.
“This event showed that our district matches will be won by the team playing best on that day. The title is definitely up for grabs.”
The second-place finish came on the heels of Warren County defeating Franklin County and Stone Memorial last week.
In a nine-hole event last Wednesday, the Pioneers beat the Rebels 152-174 to pick up their first win of the season. Stern led Warren County, finishing with 36. Powell and Wood each shot 38, while Myers finished at 40.
Warren County didn’t take long to taste victory again. The following day, the Pioneers beat Stone Memorial 320-328 at Deer Creek golf course in Crossville.
Stern shot a career-low 73 to pace the Pioneers. Myers was next with 80, followed by Powell at 81 and Wood at 86.
In girls action, the Lady Pioneers continued their strong season by defeating Stone Memorial 170-206.
Brittany Myers led Warren County with 84, followed by freshman Saylem Powell at 86. Senior Katelyn Davenport shot 90, while freshman Brynn Craven finished at 99. The top two scores made up the Lady Pioneers’ team score.
Both WCHS golf teams will return to action tomorrow when Warren County travels to WillowBrook golf course to take on Coffee County. The match will begin at 1 p.m.
Warren County will play host to its first home match Monday when Cookeville and Cumberland County visit McMinnville Country Club. Action will start at 1 p.m.