Boys golf claims district title

The boys golf team earned first place at the Sky-Em District championships held at the Tokatee Golf Course on Monday and Tuesday, May 9-10.

The five teams in attendance enjoyed the course, which was in excellent condition with greens that were fast and smooth.

Junction City was out front with a score of 590 but was disqualified after the second round on Tuesday. Sisters automatically moved up to claim the top spot and were announced champs.

Sisters finished first with a two-day team total of 715. Cottage Grove carded a 735 for second place and Sweet Home finished with 754 for third. La Pine rounded out the scoring at 915.

Zach Cummings (junior) led the Outlaws with a two-day total of 173. Cummings carded an 88 on the first day of competition and lowered his score by three strokes to post an 85 in the second round.

"Zach's a good player and very consistent," said Coach Jeff Barton. "He always keeps the ball in play and doesn't miss his target by much."

Jaxon Stark posted a career best 89 both rounds for a 178 total. Stark highlighted the first round with three birdie shots.

"Jaxon's just been playing two years," said Barton. "He's the most-improved of all of our players. He's driving the ball better, striking the ball better, and his putting is spot on. His total game and course management is much better."

Nathan Pajutee carded an 86/93/179 and Tyler Berg posted a 91/94/185. Nolan Ferwalt rounded out Sisters' scoring at 111/114/225.

Cummings, Stark, and Pajutte earned first-team all-league honors for their two-day performance and Berg earned second-team all-league.

Barton said, "The kids exceeded my expectations this year. I had doubts because of our inexperience, but the kids did great, worked hard and got better, and we ended up beating a senior-dominated Cottage Grove team."

The Outlaws were to play in the state tournament on Monday and Tuesday, May 16-17, at the Eagle Ridge Golf Course at Eagle Crest.