Published: November 18, 2008 12:09 am            

No shortage of talent

Abdon, Flanery lead strong squad

Area high school boys golf talent this season rated favorably with some of the best in the state.

Three of the top 12 golfers on the state points list highlight the 2008 Boys All-Area Team.

Elliott County senior Jared Flanery and Greenup County junior Dagan Abdon tied for area Player of the Year in voting by coaches. Johnson Central senior Jo Whitaker also enjoyed an outstanding season.

“This is a really good area for golf, said Abdon, the Region 12 champion. “It’s a nice accomplishment to be Player of the Year with Jared. We’re good friends. We’ve played against each other since the eighth grade.’’

Flanery said the Player of the Year award carried special meaning.

“It’s great to be acknowledged, especially when you take a look around. Just being here says you had a really good season,’’ Flanery said after players assembled last Friday for the All-Area photo at Diamond Links Golf Club. “Everybody here had to work to get where they are.’’

Whitaker and Abdon earned All-State honors by placing eighth and ninth, respectively, in the point standings and Flanery was close behind at No. 12.

Flanery, who signed with Morehead State last week, capped his high school career by shooting a 2-over-par 74 in the final round of the State Tournament. His 152 total tied for 24th at Bowling Green Country Club.

“I hit the ball well both days,’’ Flanery said. “The second day I got some putts to fall.’’

Whitaker’s 154 tied him for 33rd at the State Tournament. Another All-Area selection, Jared Stacy of Rowan County, came in at 156.

Thanks to Flanery and senior Faulkner twins Evan and Ethan, Elliott County took 11th place at the State Tournament in its first team appearance. The Lions put together a 650 total.

The versatile Faulkners are well known as basketball standouts and will lead one of Kentucky’s top teams into the upcoming season. They also sparkle on the golf course. Ethan shot 71 to win a tournament at Mount Sterling this season.

“Ethan and Evan have exceptional ability,’’ Flanery said. “They are great competitors and good at whatever they do. In golf, the three of us pushed each other and it made us all better.’’

Elliott County’s Steve Gillum, voted the All-Area Coach of the Year, started the program when Flanery and the Faulkners were seventh-graders.

“They are a fun group to be around and excel in whatever they do,’’ Gillum said. “Those three are all capable of shooting around par, or under par at times. They are the type that, if we didn’t have a practice scheduled, would still go out on the golf course and work on their game.’’

Greenup County coach Roger Gillum, whose team edged Elliott County by two shots for the regional title, commended the Lions’ coach.

“Everyone knows Steve’s team is made up of great athletes, but more importantly these kids are gentlemen and a pleasure to be around,’’ Roger Gillum said. “That starts at the top, and it’s a reflection of what Steve has done for the program. If anyone deserves this award, he does.’’

Steve’s son, Ryan, was one of two sixth-graders to contribute to the Lions’ success this season.

“That makes it even sweeter,’’ said Elliott County’s coach. “Ryan and Hunter Holbrook worked hard to get their spot in the lineup and worked hard to hold it. We’ve got some other younger ones coming up. We’re hopeful in two or three years that we will be back competitively.’’

Greenup County also had three players named to the All-Area team. Abdon shot 73 at Hidden Cove to earn regional medalist honors.

“Winning the region capped it off,’ he said. “To finally make All-State was special.’’

Eli Carr and Andrew Cooper played key roles on a deep Musketeer squad. Both shot 79s to help secure Greenup County’s regional title.

Matt Logan and Taylor Webb provided West Carter with a strong combination. Boyd County’s Brent Smith, Russell’s Grant McKenzie and Bath County’s Logan Hogge also received All-Area honors.

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

        

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