District golf heats up for CBBN shooters

Conditions are optimal for today's boys and girls CBBN 4A district golf championships, with temperatures in the area expected to stay in the 80s.

Based on the cooler temperatures the Mid-Columbia has experienced thus far, the heat could have a slight effect on the final eight state qualifiers.

"It's going to be hotter than these kids have played in all year. That could become a factor around hole 13 or 14," said Walla Walla boys coach Jim Smith, whose Blue Devils are strong favorites to repeat as boys champion.

The boys will play two rounds, the first at Walla Walla Country Club at 7:30 a.m. and the second at Walla Walla Veterans at 1 p.m. The girls will play one round at Moses Lake Country Club at 9 a.m.

Walla Walla senior Greg Prins is the defending boys 4A district champion and should benefit from the local familiarity.

"It's always an advantage to play your home course," Smith said. "On the other hand, we hosted the first conference match and got beat."

Eastmont's Spencer Ellis and Brady Parsons could also make a run, and don't count out Kamiakin's Riley Hayfield.

The Richland girls will look to defend their team title, and, based on recent showings, there might be no way to stop them.

The Bombers qualified eight to districts -- placing five among the top six scorers at the Tri-City girls championships -- including sophomore Mary McDonald and junior Madison Hamm.

Eisenhower's Christine Cook is the CBBN's top-ranked individual heading into the tourney, and Kamiakin's Amy Verderber has been one of the league's strongest golfers despite battling a shoulder injury.