Heritage’s Ben Rebne is playing his best golf of the year at the most important time — the playoffs.
Rebne, a junior, earned medalist honors in the Class AAAA state sectional tournament at Applewood Golf Course in Keysville with an even-par 72.
His round, combined with three Heritage scores in the 80s, helped the Generals finish with a third-place 319 that sends them to the Class AAAA state tournament.
“I’m just trying to keep my routine normal and hit fairways and greens and see where that gets me,” Rebne said. “It’s good to have everyone in good spirits.
“We did what we needed to do. Everybody was joking and having a good time on the way back.”
The Dalton boys advanced to the Class AAAAA state event with a second-place 303 at Georgia National. Davis Kirk led the Catamounts with a 1-over 73.
“It was a very good day for us,” Dalton coach Hunter Johnston said. “I just attribute our day to how hard our guys have worked all year, and on a course that we hadn’t played before, it’s a testament to how they’ve dedicated themselves to improve their games.
“We had really good course management today.”
The Catamounts combined to shoot their best round of the season. The players earned a free ice cream from their coach for reaching their goal.
“The scores didn’t surprise because I know what we’re capable of,” Johnston said. “We’re still figuring out what it takes to put 18 holes together in a team format.”
Two other area boys’ teams also advanced to state. Sonoraville shot a season-best 332 and Coahulla Creek had a 339 to advance from the Class AAA sectional at the Lakes at Laura Walker Course. Gordon Central (355) did not advance, but the Warriors’ Branton Bailey, as region medalist, will be in the state as an individual.
“We made it to state two years ago when our seniors were sophomores and we were 15th out of 16,” Sonoraville coach Mike Farley said. “We have expectations of finishing in the top five if everybody goes in and plays like they’re capable. That’s a good goal for us for the way we’re playing now.”
Farley said the Sonoraville and North Murray girls advanced to state from the Class AAA sectional.
The Gordon Lee girls team placed eighth and claimed the last spot from their Class AA sectional. The Lady Trojans shot a 236 with Aspin Curtis and Avrie Weldon both shooting 118 at Hawks Point Golf Club in Vidalia.
They’ll be heading to he state tournament for a third consecutive year.
“When you look up and see two girls have been playing for two years and two girls have been playing golf for one year,” Gordon Lee coach Charlie Wiggins said, “playing in sectionals is great experience for them to build on this year toward next year.”
Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6484. Follow him at twitter.com/UchiyamaCTFP.