STATE HIGH SCHOOL GOLF TOURNAMENTS: Viking girls hope to take advantage of 'home' course knowledge

By JASON ELLIOTT

Sports writer

They’re ready.

They’ll be well-rested, with having this year’s tournament just moments from home.

But don’t think for a minute that hosting the state 6A golf tournament at Avondale Golf Club in Hayden is an advantage for the Coeur d’Alene High girls team.

They know.

The challenge is quite familiar.

Coeur d’Alene will look to unseat Rocky Mountain of Meridian, which has won the past five state titles. The Vikings have beaten the Grizzlies twice in tournaments this season, winning at the Jug Mountain Ranch Golf Course in McCall by eight strokes, 304-312 on Sept. 8.

Coeur d’Alene edged Rocky by one stroke at the Susan Mitchell Invitational at Hayden Lake Country Club, 316-317, on Sept. 28. The following day, Rocky Mountain beat Coeur d’Alene by 10 strokes at the Circling Raven Invitational in Worley, 315-325.

“It has been awesome to play against a great team like Rocky numerous times this year,” said Coeur d’Alene girls coach Jeff Lake, in his sixth season. “But our group’s focus is always on the golf course over any opponent or team. Our preparation has centered solely on taking on Avondale next week.”

Coeur d'Alene junior Ella Wilson has won the past two 6A individual titles. Juniors Jossetta Williams and Leah Heavener are making their third appearances at state. Heavener was 11th last year. Junior Livi Garcia and sophomore Emily Stillert were on last year's state team, which finished second for the second straight year.

Wilson, Heavener and Garcia were medalists at tournaments this year.

As for familiarity with Avondale, the Vikings have that as well.

“Avondale has been so supportive of Viking golf, and I can’t thank the leadership and members at Avondale enough for all they do for our kids and program,” Lake said. “We have played Avondale multiple times per week since our season started. Our golfers have been trying to play at least three practice rounds per week, and we’ll look to get three to four practice rounds by the end of this week. Our golfers have been playing the course quite often in their free time as well.”

Mountain View won the boys title last year.

Lake City senior Trey Lambert was fourth in a card-off last year at state after finishing fourth as a freshman in 2023. Post Falls senior Karl Berend, who was second at districts last Monday at The Links Golf Club in Post Falls, qualified for state for the first time.

Coeur d’Alene's boys were sixth last year. Led by medalist Hunter Paquin, a junior, the Vikings won the district title on Monday.

“Our schedule has allowed our players to gain a high level of experience and play against the very best of fields,” Lake said. “Our season has prepared us for the state tournament.”

5A: Lakeland senior Tyler Zachary was sixth at state last year after finishing seventh as a sophomore.

This year’s tournament is Monday-Tuesday at The Links Golf Club in Post Falls, where Lakeland's boys and girls won district titles to advance.

Senior Aidan Szentanai, last year’s state individual champion from Bishop Kelly of Boise, returns. The Knights have won the past four state boys team titles.

Twin Falls won the girls title last year.