Opelika, AL – Weaver’s Ledbetter finishes as Class 3A runner up for the second year in a row; White Plains boys, Edwards finish third in Class 4A; Alexandria, Piedmont girls fourth
Nick Ledbetter played his way to another “red map” at the AHSAA state golf tournament.
The Weaver senior shots an 80 in Tuesday’s final round at Opelika’s RTJ-Grand National course, 159 for the tournament. He finished second to Westbrook Christian’s Eli Edge by eight strokes.
It’s Ledbetter’s second runner-up finish in as many years. He also won Calhoun County, sectional and sub-state titles this season and will play Talladega College.
“Same story as yesterday,” Ledbetter said. “I started off solid and turned at 2 over and shot 42 on the back nine. My putter never got hot this week but somehow ended up getting runner up in 3A again but this year. It’s hitting a little different.
“I’d like to say I had a great high school career, and it was amazing.”
Class 4A boys
Sawyer Edwards shoots a second-round 78 to finish at 149 for the tournament and tied for third place, five strokes back of low medalist Jake Temple, of Haleyville.
White Plains’ boys finished third at 80 over, 40 strokes back of repeat state champion Haleyville.
Edwards entered the final round in first place after shooting 71 on Monday, and White Plains was second in the team standings, eight strokes back of Haleyville.
“We never got any momentum going, and then we tried to do too much, and it snowballed,” White Plains coach Chris Randall said. “The guys could’ve cared less about second, and we just came out too aggressive and didn’t hit enough quality shots.
“I needed to have us a better game plan to manage the course. We still had a wonderful season and have a lot to be proud of.”
White Plains won the Calhoun County tournament this year. The Wildcats also won sectional and finished second to Haleyville at sub-state. Seniors Dalton Faulkner and Zach Goss will play for Talladega College.
Class 4A-5A girls
Alexandria girls finish 100 over and in fourth place, 51 strokes back of champion Trinity. Marlee Hedgepeth and Avery Prickett finished tied for 10th at 174.
“I thought we were nervous the first day,” Alexandria coach Craig Kiker said. “This group has never played in the state tournament, and it showed yesterday. Today, we played like we were capable of.
“Only Trinity beat us today, so I think that means a lot moving forward. We don’t graduate anyone, so we will work to get back again next year.”
Alexandria won the Calhoun County tournament. The Valley Cubs also won sectional and took second at sub-state.
Class 1A-3A girls
Piedmont took fourth place, shooting a 234-over, two-day total of 666. The Bulldogs improved by 20 strokes in the second round.
Brookelyn Goss led Piedmont, finished 15th at 208 (106-102).
“Gosh we knew going in that we would be an uphill battle, but I wanted the entire experience of the state tournament to be a reward for playing our way in,” Piedmont coach Horace Bramblett said. “The course and the entire experience of the last three days has been great. A lifetime of memories for the girls. …
“We finished fourth in Class 1A-3A girls, and I’m so proud of that, but what I am most proud is when parents and grandparents of the opposing teams tell me how classy and sportsmanlike our kids are. That is just a reflection of how they have been brought up. Same is always said about my guys. I am just honored to be their coach.” [read more sports stories…]
