Published: November 16, 2008 10:58 pm            

Paintsville, Greenup County lead squad

Paintsville junior Katy Humphrey and Greenup County coach Lou Quillen received top awards on the 2008 Girls All-Area Golf Team.

Humphrey, who finished 20th at the State Tournament, was voted Player of the Year by area coaches.

Paintsville competed in Region 10 again this season, while Ashland-area schools moved to Region 11 as part of a state realignment.

“I feel pretty honored to get this,’’ Humphrey said. “I was kind of disappointed that the regions got switched up this year. I enjoy playing with these girls. There are some very good golfers.’’

Humphrey, a four-time All-Area selection, helped Paintsville to its second regional championship in three years. Humphrey and teammate Jerra Kelsey tied for first place in regional competition. Kelsey won a sudden-death playoff on the first hole.

Kelsey, a sophomore, and eighth-grader Ale Walker also represented Paintsville on the All-Area team.

Humphrey was an “All A’’ regional medalist for the third consecutive year and closed out the season in fine fashion. She shot a first-round 80 in State Tournament play at Bowling Green Country Club and finished with a two-day total of 162 in wet conditions.

“Katy played some great golf,’’ said Paintsville coach David VanHoose. “As far as tee to green, she hit it was well as anybody down there.’’

Humphrey’s goal is to keep getting better.

“I’m working on my swing and the mental part of my game,’’ said Humphrey, who takes lessons in Lexington with some of her high school teammates. “There are always areas you need to improve.’’

Coach of the Year honors went to Quillen, whose Greenup County squad won its first regional championship in a runaway.

The Lady Musketeers shot 360 for a 30-stroke victory in the Region 11 Tournament at tough Hidden Cove Golf Course in Carter County.

“The girls had a great season, and not just because we won the region,’’ Quillen said. “Their individual games improved tremendously. Instead of learning a skill, this year was more about developing and perfecting skills. My whole team had a different attitude and work ethic.’’

It marked the second time for Quillen to be chosen Coach of the Year by her peers.

“For other coaches to recognize you for working hard to build your program, it’s very meaningful,’’ Quillen said.

Greenup County sophomores Hannah Sublett and Maxi Bauer finished one-two at the regional. Senior teammate Megan Mantz joined them on the All-Area team.

Sublett enjoyed a big season overall. She consistently placed in the Top 10 at several invitationals and finished 12th on the state points list.

“Hannah improved her game tremendously,’’ Quillen said. “She has worked hard to get where she is.’’

Senior Kayla Meade and junior Gabrielle Cassity of Russell led their team to a runner-up finish at regionals.

Other All-Area repeat selections include O’Brien Robbins of Raceland and Morgan Walters of Ashland. Robbins, Walters and Deandra Robinson were state qualifiers this season.

Boyd County’s Mariah Humphrey also landed a spot on the All-Area squad.

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

        

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