Junction City will tee off its high school golf season next week with both boys and girls scheduled for action. The Lady Dragons, coached by Shelby Ward, have an 8-player squad while Coach Brad Smith’s Dragons feature five boys.
Junction City is scheduled to play Monday at Hope before teeing it up Wednesday afternoon at the Lion’s Club against Smackover, Parkers Chapel and El Dorado’s JV.
The boys’ team includes senior Hayden Walker and juniors Jaxon Temple, Joe Thompson, Cooper Wilson and Cameron Davis.
“We’re improving,” said Smith. “The main goal is to get better.”
The Lady Dragons’ team includes: seniors Karla Castillo, Valarie Kidwell, Makayla Knight and Jess Thurmon, junior Addison Carey, sophomore Raylynn Massey and freshmen Addie Allen and Mckenzie Flowers.
“I’m excited for this season. I think we are playing on a much more even playing field as far as talent in the conference. We still have a lot of work to do if we want to accomplish what we want this season,” said Ward.
“The goal is to place first or second in conference this year and have the team qualify for state.”
Last season, Junction City’s Castillo and Kidwell qualified for state as individuals. Although Thurmon is still recovering from a softball injury, Ward believes some of the younger players could step up to help the team effort.
“Addison Carey has improved from last year, and I believe she could help us get a qualifying score as well,” he said. “We also have Makayla Knight returning, as well as some new faces that include Raylynn Massey, Addie Allen, and McKenzie Flowers. They have all shown growth throughout the summer.”