Wildcats close golf regular season, focus on district
The 2024 regular season is now behind the Oak Ridge High School golf teams.
While many other teams have matches remaining, ORHS Coach Scott Hinton has decided to focus on preparations for the District 4-AA tournament.
“I like to take the week off before the district tournament so we can get ready,” Hinton said. “We’re going to take the time to go to Egwani [Farms] and have some practice rounds there.”
The Wildcats and Lady Wildcats will compete in the District 4-AA tournament on Tuesday at Egwani Farms in Rockford.
In their final regular-season event, held on their home course at Oak Ridge Country Club, the Wildcats finished third in a tri-match against Maryville and Christian Academy of Knoxville (CAK).
The teams played the par-36 front nine at ORCC.
Maryville won the match with a team score of 146, while CAK finished second with 147. Oak Ridge posted a score of 154.
Hunter Hinton led the Wildcats, finishing even. Lewis Niad shot 37, Jack Bentz carded a 38, Kaleb Jackson finished with a 43, and Braxton Pemberton rounded out the team with a 45.
“Our goal is to shoot 150, and we’re right there,” Coach Hinton said.
The Lady Wildcats also finished third.
Lilli-Grace Langenberg broke 50 and recorded her first birdie in a competitive high school match. Kaiya Barnes shot 58.
Maryville won the girls’ event with a score of 74, CAK shot 77, and Oak Ridge 106.
Langenberg and Barnes could qualify for regionals with strong performances in the District 4-AA tournament next week in Rockford.