BEARCATS 8TH IN STATE GOLF

Taking a glass half full view, the Booneville Bearcat golf team will have two players returning next year who played in this year's state golf tournament.

Or maybe a little more than half, there will be a third who has played in one before.

Jace Washburn was expected to play in the tournament, held in Salem Tuesday, after helping the Bearcats to a district tournament title win.

Noah Harrel drew a spot after Rylen Ray, who like Washburn played in the tournament last year, was unable to fill his spot due to a medical issue.

Washburn and Harrel, both sophomores, along with Brett Welling and Brooks Herrera, both seniors, shot a team score of an even 300 which was somewhat disappointing and an eighth-place finish.

Welling (shown during district tournament) turned in the low round of the day for the Bearcats with a 95 with Herrera shooting a 99.

Maumelle Charter won the tournament in a crowded top of the standings that saw four teams separated by eight or fewer strokes.

Senior Leigh Swint was the lone Lady Bearcat representative in the girls tournament, also played in Salem, on September 27.