Congratulations to the JA Varsity Golf team on winning the MAIS 5A state championship yesterday! This was the first title earned by JA’s golfers since 2015. Seventh grader John Markow took home the Individual State Title at the competition held at the Canebreak Country Club in Hattiesburg. “After having to cancel last season, getting back into a rhythm was tough earlier in the year,” Coach Rob Triplett said. “But each week we got better. … Everything we did this year was to be our best to win this tournament.”
Each Raider team develops their own culture and camaraderie, even in a highly individual sport like golf. “I could not imagine being around a better group of guys,” commented Triplett. “Not only are they really talented golfers, but they are good kids. I am very lucky to be around them. They definitely keep me entertained.”
Individual State Champion is not the first title seventh-grader John Markow has earned on the green. In 2017, he competed in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship against 154 players from 30 countries and more than 30 states. He shot 84-81-78 and finished T75 overall, and has continued to earn top placement, including first place in the Berkeley Hills Junior Classic. “It feels good to be the champion,” John said. “I feel like I worked hard.” Coming up next year, John looks forward to another opportunity to take home the title.
Yearly Scoring Averages:
- Matthew Frost – 75.5
- John Markow – 77.1
- Connor Gee – 79.6
- Patton Kincaid – 80.6
- Davis Cress – 83.8
- Will Graven – 85.4
