Concho Valley Golfers Ready to Defend State Titles

AUSTIN, TX — The Concho Valley is home to some of the best small-school golfers in Texas, and they’re preparing to play on the state’s biggest stage.

The defending state champion Wall Hawks lead the group of teams headed to the UIL Boys State Tournament on April 27-28 in and around Austin.

Mason and Garden City, meanwhile, will try to defend their titles when they play in the girls state tournament May 4-5.

The Wall boys are the only area team in the field at the 3A tournament at Jimmy Clay Golf Course in Austin. 

The Hawks’ team members are Maxwell Wymore, Stratten Abel, Kasen Hudson, Cannon Willard and Cash Yocham.

In the 2A tournament at Lions Municipal Golf Course in Austin, Mason is back after a seventh-place finish last year.

The Punchers’ team members are Grant Nobles, Ryder Balmos, Hudson Terrell, Kalen Langehennig and Cade Dudney.

Defending individual champ Walt Thompson from Goldthwaite is also back.

Reagan County’s John Hodge qualified as an individual.

In the 1A tournament at Crystal Falls Golf Club in Leander, Robert Lee returns after last year’s fifth-place showing.

The Steers’ team members are Brenner Sherwood, Max Garcia, Zach Eubanks, Levi Bailey and Ryder Tavarez.

Garden City’s team of Waylyn Davis, Rylan Cypert, Karson Lowery, Brik Fryar and Cohen Batla also qualified, along with Blackwell’s Brayden Claborn.

In the 2A girls tournament, Mason and Garden City will look to continue their golf dynasties.

Mason, which has won four straight state titles, is led by Angelo State signee Ainsley Burns, who fired a 72-68—140 last year to win by 14 shots.

Mason actually qualified two teams for the state tournament. The Cowgirls’ No. 1 team consists of Anna Marie Whitworth, Sophia Jordan, Bronwyn Underwood and Ruby Hills, along with Burns.

The members of Mason’s No. 2 team are Cameron Asbill, Kydie Kimbriel, Grace Klaerner, Sabina Perez and Caitlin McCrea.

Sonora, a five-time state champ that was third last year, is also in the 2A field. The Lady Broncos’ team members are Sofie Garcia, Lynden Cearley, Brailyn Galindo, Gentri Trainer and Madison Galindo.

Colorado City’s Kaylynn Epperson qualified as an individual.

In the 1A field, Garden City is aiming for a fourth straight state title. The Lady Kats’ team members are Keegan Batla, Karly Baker, Helen Marshall, Joslyn Halfmann and Gracie Raney.

Veribest is also at state again after placing seventh last year. The Lady Falcons’ team members are Kayden Broadway, Stormie Luna, Chloe Day and Bailey Erwin.

Robert Lee’s Kylen Pitcock qualified as an individual.