Hayes, Johnson show Creek Valley colors at district tourney

Two players from the Creek Valley Storm golf team, Tabetha Hayes and Maddy Johnson, competed at the Class C5 District Tournament in Ogallala on Monday.

Hayes, a junior finished with a 112, while the freshman Johnson came in at 137. Both players have made steady progress throughout the season. Hayes went on a streak of lowering her career best in four of her final five regular-season tournaments. In the Storm's most recent match she shot a career low 107.

"She was a little dissapointed she didn't finish the way she wanted to," said Storm Head Coach Cyd Hanson. "She's been lowering her score in just about every tournament lately and wanted to keep that going. But she's improved a lot this year."

Johnson just completed her first year of competitive golf. Throughout the season players are allowed to pick up after 10 strokes. That is not allowed at Districts. Nevertheles, Johnson only exceeded her average by about one stroke.

"Maddy was pretty consistent except for her putting," Hanson said. "She putted well on the back side but really struggled with the putter on the front nine."

The top three teams qualified for the state tournament next week at the Quail Run Golf Course in Columbus. Kimball was the winning school with a total of 427 strokes. Chadron with 437 was second and Bridgeport third at 439. Teams need a minimum of four golfers to earn a team score.

Kimball's Brooke Hager won individual honers while Cali Crile of Chadron and Rebecca Lorens of Dundy County-Stratton were second and third respectively.