Ironton's Keyes qualifies for D2 state tournament

WILLIAMSPORT — As a team, the Ironton Fighting Tigers just missed a trip to the state tournament.

But golf also has a way to reward individuals and Ironton senior Asher Keyes got a special reward: A trip to the state tournament.

The top two finishers qualify for the state tournament and Ironton finished third in the Division 2 district golf tournament on Wednesday.

But Keyes and junior Connor Chandler of Greenfield McClain each shot a 77 over the par 72 course and earned a trip to the state tournament as the top two finishers not on a qualifying team.

The state tournament will be held at Firestone Country Club in Akron on Sunday and Monday, Oct 11-12.

Lynchburg-Cay shot a 317 to win the tournament with Westfall — playing on its home course — was second at 319 as senior Brendan Biegler shot a 73 to take medalist honors.

The Fighting Tigers posted a 327 team score to place third while Circleville was fourth at 333. West Union was one stroke back at 334, the Fairland Dragons fifth at 337, Fairfield Union 338, Amanda-Clearcreek 360, Piketon 379, and the Wheelersburg Pirates 10th at 408.

Keyes had rounds of 39 and 38 for his 77 score. Junior Silas Keyes went 44 and 38 for an 82 total, sophomore Graham Walters was 38-40 for a 78, junior Beckett Heighton was 47-43 for a 90, and Beckett Townsend had rounds of 55-56 for a 111 total.

Fairland was led by junior Reno Roswall with an 83 on rounds of 38-45. Senior Kyle Salyer went 43-42 for an 85, junior Hunter Leep 43-42 for an 85, junior Will Southard 41-43 for an 84 and junior Kevin Vaden 64-52 for a 116 total.

Wheelersburg was paced by sophomore Ryker Noble who was 42-48 for a 90. Sophomore Cameron McKenzie went 50-47 for a 97, freshman Nate Fannin had a 121 on rounds of 60-61, sophomore Lane Chamberlin shot an even 100 on rounds of 45 and 55, and sophomore Mason Spradlin had a 126 on identical rounds of 63.

Chandler was a single entry as McClain was one of 10 schools that did not have a team and entered just one golfer.

Chesapeake Panthers sophomore Greyson Diamond shot rounds of 44-48 for a 92, Coal Grove Hornets senior Carson Hicks had a 98 on rounds of 47 and 51, Minford senior J.J. Smith shot a 79 on rounds of 41 and 38, and Portsmouth senior Dace Click went 49-43 for a 92 total.