Lady Bulldogs take state

The talented and still very young Lady Bulldog golf team has started another run of dominance in Class A golf by winning the state championship for a second year in a row.

The last run by the girls was a seven-straight streak in the 1990s. Whitefish High School girls have won 17 team titles and are in the top-three nationally for most state championships.

The weather was a factor at Anaconda, with cold, wind, rain and even snow making the conditions somewhat less than ideal for all the players.

"It's tough to make a good swing when you're wearing everything you own," coach Nelson said. "Our girls never complained at all about the playing conditions during the three days we were there."

The Lady Bulldogs' toughness and confidence was the deciding factor over second-place Glendive.

"Even when the girls trailed by 12 shots after the first day, the players and coaches were still confident of another win," he said.

Junior Quinn Micklewright paced the girls this year with consistent rounds of 89-84 over the two days at the Old Works Golf Course. Micklewright placed third in the field of 75 girls at this year's state tournament.

"She always seems to play her best at the state and divisional tournaments each year," Nelson said. "You can see it in her expression and the way she adds another level of concentration."

Senior Chelsea Ray had the best nine-hole score of the tournament, with a final nine on Thursday of 37. Ray, arguably the best high school female player in the state, rallied and helped the team charge into the lead.

"She is so athletic that you know she will break out a good round at any minute," Nelson said.

Ray has been a four-year varsity player for the Bulldogs and will be tough to replace as she graduates, Nelson said

"Chelsea hit her tee shot on the last hole, a 340-yard par-four, to within 60 yards of the green," Nelson said. "She is that long off the tee."

Sophomore BreAnna Cameron was a steady player for Whitefish all year, and the state tournament was no exception. Cameron posted a final round of 86 to storm back into the top-10 for the second year in a row.

"BreAnna is such a hard worker, and good athlete and she is just beginning the best phase of her career," Nelson said. "She was the only player in the field of girls and boys who went directly to the practice putting-green immediately after her round the first day."

Micklewright, Ray and Cameron all made the Class A All State Team again this year. For Ray, this is her third consecutive year as an All State player.

Kiley McConnell played the number-one spot for the Bulldogs at state after winning last week's Northwestern Class A Divisional. As a freshman, McConnell is an extremely poised player with a bright future.

"She roared back on day two of the state tournament to seal the deal for the Lady Bulldogs," Nelson said. "Kiley always has that look of confidence as she works her way around the course."

McConnell missed out as an All State player by two shots this year, but she joins Micklewright, Ray and Cameron as All Conference first-team selections for Northwestern Class A.

Ellen Scheffer filled the team's fifth spot remarkably well by posting two very steady rounds. Scheffer, a junior, is an extremely improved player and has a fantastic attitude about the game, Nelson said.

"We could have used Ellen's score the last day and won the tournament," Nelson said.

Danielle McCully, a freshman and the team's alternate at state, could have played for any other team at state.

"She's another hardworking, remarkable athlete and will undoubtedly be one of the top players in the state by next year," Nelson said. "Danielle played the practice round extremely well and repeatedly scored par on the three practice holes at the Old Works."

With two freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors and one senior, the young Lady Bulldogs should be strong contenders again next season. Lexi Day, Tayler Johnson and Tara Sullivan are ready to make a great contribution to the team next year if they keep working on their games, Nelson said.

"Now it will be the girls with the bulls-eye on their back next season, instead of the boys," Nelson said.