Dalton's High School's Patrick Sims watches his drive in this file photo.

Patrick Sims played the best round of golf in his young life on Wednesday -- and he did so under pressure that he's never felt before.

The Dalton junior shot an even-par 72 at Big Canoe Golf Club in Jasper, Ga., to earn medalist honors in the Region 7-AAA championship on Wednesday.

He also carried the Catamounts to the region championship and a spot in the state championship to be played May 7 in Augusta. Dalton finished with a total score of 323.

"It was a little stressful watching the scores come in," Dalton coach Chad Jordan said. "I had no idea what was going on toward the end. I'm tired."

McLean Davies shot 83 for Dalton. So did Spencer Peters, and Jacob Brown shot 85 for the Catamounts who will spend the upcoming days celebrating and preparing to win the biggest crown of all -- a state championship.

"I've had five different guys shoot from even to 74 and Patrick was that guy today," said Jordan, whose team has reached the state tournament every year for at least the last 10 years.

"To have a score like that takes pressure off his teammates," Jordan said. "It was nice to know that there's a low score up there."

Ringgold finished as runner-up on Wednesday -- four shots behind Dalton -- and will also head to Augusta for the Class-AAA state tournament at famed Augusta Country Club.

Brooks Thomas shot 77. Kevin Gann and Jordan Estes each shot 78, and Daulton Kilgore added the final score of 94 to give the Tigers a total score of 327.

"I think we have a chance to win state," Jordan said. "If everybody puts it together on the same day we may come out on top."