Published: September 28, 2008 11:18 pm      

Hidden Cove sure to test area’s best at every turn

Hidden Cove Golf Course in Carter County will put high school golfers to the test today and Tuesday.

The par-72, state park course offers challenges at most every turn.

The Girls Region 11 Tournament begins this morning at 9 with a shotgun start.

Participating schools for the new regional alignment include Ashland, Bath County, Boyd County, East Carter, Fleming County, Greenup County, Menifee County, Montgomery County, Morgan County, Raceland, Rowan County, Russell and West Carter.

Russell won the regional championship last year but lost standout Kaci Boyd, who graduated after winning three consecutive individual regional titles.

The Lady Devils and Greenup County may well be battling it out, according to regional manager Lou Quillen.

“They won some tournaments and we won some tournaments,’’ said Quillen, the Greenup County coach. “It’s going to come down to whoever goes out and keeps their composure and plays the best.’’

Some of the top players in the field include O’Brien Robbins of Raceland, Deandra Robinson of Rowan County, Hannah Sublett and Maxi Bauer of Greenup County, Kayla Meade of Russell and Morgan Walters of Ashland.

Boys Region 12 is scheduled for Tuesday at 9:30 a.m., also with a shotgun start.

Last year’s winner, Madison Central, moved to a different region leaving the top spot up for grabs among several contenders.

“There’s five or six teams with good quality golfers,’’ said regional manager Steve Gillum, whose Elliott County team is part of that group. “Greenup County is always strong. Montgomery County is new to our region. West Carter and Bath County have good teams.’’

Greenup County, runner-up last season, is looking for its seventh State Tournament trip in nine years.

Coach Roger Gillum has been splitting his deep squad for tournament play this season. On Saturday, Dagan Abdon shot 74 to lead one of the Musketeer teams to fifth place in a 24-team field at Lakeside in Lexington. Going into last weekend, Abdon ranked ninth on the state points list.

Elliott County finished runner-up to Johnson Central in a tournament Saturday at Paintsville Country Club. Jared Flanery’s 73 led the Lions, while Ethan and Evan Faulkner followed with 75s. Flanery won the All “A’’ state title this season with a 2-under par 70 at Gibson Bay in Richmond.

West Carter has a solid one-two punch with Matt Logan and Taylor Webb. Ian Danis leads the way for Montgomery County.

“It’s anybody’s game,’’ Roger Gillum said. “Elliott County and West Carter beat us in matches. Montgomery County, Bath County and Elliott County have been ahead and behind us in tournaments.’’

Individually, Jared Stacy of Rowan County is another of several contenders for medalist honors.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.