Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Northside golf team is headed to Pinehurst for next week’s 1A state tournament after a dominant win in the East Regional Monday at the Washington Yacht & Country Club.

The Panthers carded a four-person 18-hole team total of 339 for an easy win over Lejeune (375). Bear Grass (378), North East Carolina Prep (395) and Riverside (427) rounded out the field.

Northside and LeJeune will compete for the team state title at Pinehurst #6 along with the top two teams in the other three regions starting Monday.

Southside’s Gabe Matthews (80) finished second to Panthers medalist Gavin Sawyer and will compete as an individual.

Sawyer led Northside with a season low 75, While senior David Wallace was third overall with an 83. Max Vansant (90), Wyatt Berry (91) completed the team scoring, while Claire Holmes qualified as an individual with a 96.

“This is our best team round since 2005 and made the best in our program’s history,” head coach Jared Adams said. “Gavin played error free golf and turned it into his best round. He has made a drastic improvement over the course of the season by learning to avoid really bad holes that sink his round. Max worked through some mechanical issues with his swing to shoot his low round also. Everybody’s hard work is starting to pay off at the right time.”

Adams said the team has gone through two and a half to three hour practices since Easter Break with hitting range balls off the tee, then walking the course to practice specific shots and situations.

“The kids want to improve their game and have success,” Adams said. Wyatt and David were outstanding on the back nine today and Claire recovered after a rough start. We will put in another good week of practice and see where it takes us next week.”

Washington finished fourth in the 2A East regional in Wilson. Rob Bergevin led the Pam Pack with a 77 while Marshall Asby finished at 86. Both qualified for the 2A state tournament at Long Leaf Golf Club in Southern Pines.