Wise County Messenger

Popular Categories

No categories found.

Hounds swing for fifth at first state meet


TOP 5 FINISH — The Slidell Hounds placed fifth with a two-day 722 at the 1A state championships Monday and Tuesday at Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle. SUBMITTED

The Slidell Hounds closed the first chapter of the newly-revived golf program’s history with success Tuesday.

Slidell carded a two-day 722 (368-354) to finish fifth in the team standings at the 1A state tournament at Plum Creek Golf Course in Kyle. 

“I think it’s a phenomenal accomplishment,” Slidell coach Shea Diffie said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the growth and poise that the guys showed. To improve their score by 14 strokes in the second round from Day 1 shows the mental makeup of this group.”

Wildorado rallied on Day 2 to climb the team leaderboard and claim the state title with 694 (346-348). Gail Borden County garnered silver with 705 (341-364), while Springlake-Earth scored 709 (351-358) for bronze. 

The Hounds finished 10 strokes behind fourth-place D’Hanis, who finished with 712 (346-366).

Senior Hudson Franklin led the Hounds on both days of the tournament, finishing 18th overall with a two-day 171 (85-86).

“I didn’t think I performed to the best of my ability, but I still played two solid rounds under all of the pressure of being the first year to go to the state tournament,” Franklin said. “I do like having more competition and going out there to compete against the best in the state… I felt honored to be a leader for my teammates this year, The boys played a huge instrumental role in leading us to state, and I think they have a chance to be able to get a state title in the coming years.” 

The coach praised Franklin for his leadership this season.

“Hudson’s just been ‘that guy’ for us,” Diffie said. “The kids gravitate toward him, and he is like a big brother to them. He knows when to motivate, and when to give a pep talk. He led us at state like he has all year long. I’m really proud of him.”

Dax Davis shot 178 (92-86) and tied for 28th with Springlake-Earth’s Alex Alvarez. Riddik Davis tied with Chester’s Cutter Lowe and Petersburg’s Alex Columba for 35th with 183 (94-89).

Zayne Browning finished with 190 (97-93), and tied for 47th with May’s Mikey Scheriger. Caden Luig tied with Utopia’s Jay Cantu for 55th with 207 (108-99). 

“The young guys stepped up huge,” Diffie said. “Riddik shot in the 80s for the first time, and Dax is becoming a solid 80s golfer. Zayne improved his Day 1 score and hit some really great shots, while Caden brought his score down on the second day like he normally does.”

After a state appearance in its first season, Diffie believes Slidell will be a contender for a medal in 2024.

“These kids love to golf,” he said. “The improvement they’ve shown this year is remarkable. If the trend continues — which I believe it will — then I think we’re going to be a force next year at the 1A level.” 

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.