Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

FRIENDSHIP — The Coal Grove Hornets took the first step. Now, they have one more giant step ahead.

The Hornets won the Division III sectional golf tournament at Shawnee Golf Course on Wednesday and now sit one stop from qualifying for the state tournament.

The Hornets must finish among the top three teams at the district tournament to advance.

Coal Grove posted a 335-team score to win the tournament. Wheelersburg was four shots back and Lynchburg Clay had a 363 to comprise the three qualifying teams.

The Hornets were led by Brent Morgan who claimed medalist honors with a 74. Cody Davidson shot an 81, Conor Markins 87 and Brandon Adkins 91.

Morgan, Davidson and Markins were named to the all-sectional team.

“We had a great tournament,” said Hornets’ coach Danny Morgan.

Portsmouth Clay had a 372, Beaver Eastern 376, Latham Western 377 and Lucasville Valley 510.

The top three individual qualifiers not on a qualifying team are Bobby Welch of West Union with a 77, South Gallia’s Gus Slone had an 82 and Western’s Chandler Grooms shot an 84.

The district tournament will be Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Apple Valley Golf Course in Howard. The top three teams and three individuals not on a qualifying team will advance to the state tournament at the Ohio State University Scarlet Course Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20.