Glacier hopes state roll continues

Five-for-five is what the Glacier boys golf team is shooting for.

The Wolfpack has claimed Class AA state trophies the last four years and has a legitimate shot of keeping that streak alive.

Led by Ryan Porch, state runner-up a year ago, Logan Iverson, who finished sixth, Andy Boyer, Cody Sherrill, Dillon Eaves and Kevin Talcott, Glacier will have one of the deepest, most talented rosters in AA.

"The boys have a plan," Glacier coach Rob Lodgson said.

"Win state ... no ties, no playoffs, no nothing. We're hoping this will be five-for-five."

Action starts today and the 36-hole event ends Friday. Both rounds will be played at the Butte Country Club, 8 a.m. daily.

Flathead will also have a full field for the season finale.

Glacier has tied for a state championship once, finished second twice and shared third-place with Bozeman last year.

The boys have done a good job this year," Logsdon said.

"Logan is coming on; Logan and Ryan both have good stroke averages."

The Glacier girls picked up their first ever regular-season tournament win back in August. The Wolfpack

followed that by winning a couple more.

The Glacier boys and girls have doubled up on titles at the same outings four times.

Shelby Ballard has been the team leader, challenging for medalist honors at most events.

Shea Stevens, Kaydee Aurich, Hannah Davis, Mallory Skinn and Cynthia Gilbertson complete the Wolfpack state roster.

"A pleasant surprise," Logsdon said of Glacier's girls.

"Getting more of a veteran team (has helped). They are happy-go-lucky, don't get affected by pressure."

That has served them well.

"They are skilled, talented," Logsdon said.

"They believe."

Glacier's girls were 10th at state last year. Logsdon expects a big improvement on that showing.

"They have a really good chance," he said of placing in the top three.

Flathead's top individual all season has been Michael Lavin. He finished 11th at state last year. The senior will be playing in his fourth state tournament.

"He's had a pretty good year," Flathead coach Lacy Kersten said.

"He hasn't finished as well as he would have liked in some tournaments, but I'm looking for him to finish very strong at state. Top 10, possibly top five."

Lavin has consistently been in the top 10 all season.

"A pretty solid player," Kersten said.

"Very smart on how he plays his tee shots ... a good putter."

Joining Lavin at state for the Braves are Max Applegate, Jake Williams, Cory Felde, Cole Bauer and Erik Karolak.

"Like to see my boys finish in the top three at state," Kersten said.

"See at least one other boy (besides Lavin) put up 70s and see three other scores in the 80s."

The FHS girls are coming off perhaps their best showing of the fall campaign. At the Glacier/Whitefish/Flathead Invitational last weekend, they had three girls break 100 on the final day.

"Been a long time coming," Kersten said.

"We have five capable of shooting in the 90s, but it hasn't happened. It was nice to see Jourdan (McFarland) play well. She's been in the 90s the last two tournaments."

McFarland shot in the 90s both days and finished 10th at the Glacier/Whitefish/Flathead Invitational.

McFarland competed at state last year for the Bravettes as did Geneva Zoltek. Also competing in Butte for the Bravettes are Michaela Murer, Morgan Knutson, Mackenzie Williams and Cassidy Smith.

"I'd like to see four score in the 90s both days," Kersten said.

"If we can do that well, we'll finish in the upper half at state for sure."

That would be a big improvement over last year when Flathead was last in the 14-team field.

Flathead's boys were ninth.