YORK, Pa. – Union City’s Josh James is a state champion.
James fired a 1-over 72 at Heritage Hills in York, putting him two shots clear of three others – Palmerton’s Josh Suto, Avonworth’s Kai Carlson and Quaker Valley’s Jackson Bould for the Class 2A boys’ title.
James becomes the second-straight District 10 golfer to win the Class 2A championship, joining North East’s Isaiah Swan, who won last season in a playoff.
James’ teammate, Tyler Parkhurst finished fifth with a 75, while Corry’s Maxx Rimdzius also is bringing home a medal, finishing tied for sixth with a 76.
James started on the tenth hole and shot a 38 on the back nine, which included seven pars, a bogey and a double bogey.
He got hot on the front nine, collection birdies on the Par 5 second and Par 4 fourth. He played steady golf the rest of the way, making seven pars on the front nine as well.
Clarion’s Kam Kerle was the highest District 9 finisher, shooting 79 to tie for 15th, while Kane’s Curt Barner shot an 80 to finish in a tie for 20th.
On the girls’ side, Swan’s sister, Lydia shot a 2-over 74, finishing in a tie for second, just one shot back of champion Paige Richter of Camp Hill.
Swan also started on the back nine, shooting a 34, which included seven pars and two birdies on holes 11 and 13, leading for much of the afternoon.
She shot a 40 on the front nine, which included five pars and four bogeys. Her teammate and sister, Anna Swan shot a 78 to finish fifth.
The Hickory girls impressed as well, as Sasha Petrochko shot a 76 to finish fourth and McKenzie Gustas an 80 to finish in a tie for sixth.
Hickory girls’ golfers at states.
Petrochkho’s round included 14 pars, one birdie, one bogey and two double bogeys. Fellow Hornet Luciana Masters shot an 84 to tie for 13th and Ava Liburdi carded an 87.
Clarion’s McKayla Kerle shot an 84 and Karns City’s Chloe Fritch an 85.
The Class 3A championships will be held tomorrow, also at Heritage Hills.
District 9/10 Finishers
CLASS AA BOYS
1 Josh James (Union City) 72; 5. Tyler Parkhurst (Union City) 75 75; T-6. Maxx Rimdzius (Corry) 76; T-15. Kam Kerle (Clarion) 79; T-20. Curt Barner (Kane) 80; T-29. Jacob Wolak (Slippery Rock), Dylan Flinchbaugh (Saegertown) 82; T-35. Joe Fugagli (Mercyhurst Prep) 83; T-49. Toby Matson (Grove City) 87; T-52. Brady Streich (Coudersport) 88; T-62. Jacob Felsing (Moniteau) 90; 65. Lucas Benjamin (St. Marys) 92; T-67. Ethan Carll (Forest Area) 94
CLASS AA GIRLS
T-2. Lydia Swan (North East) 74; 4. Sasha Petrochko (Hickory) 76; 5. Anna Swan (North East) 78. T-6. McKenzie Gustas (Hickory) 80; T-13. Luciana Masters (Hickory), McKayla Kerle (Clarion) 84; T-17. Chloe Fritch (Karns City) 85; 20. Ava Liburdi (Hickory) 87; T-24. Emily Donahue (Grove City), Kaitlyn Hoover (Wilmington) 92; 36. Emma Covert (Moniteau) 115
