Aycock's Bartlett claims medalist honors

By Justin Hayes
Published in Sports on March 15, 2016 1:48 PM

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jhayes@newsargus,com

Green speeds that rival a long nap.

Limited daylight.

Dormant bermuda, caked and dicey.

Such is life during the first weeks of area prep golf calendars when practice time is slotted between rain, freezing rain and bone-chilling, see-your-breath air.

But with yesterday's second installment of this season's Eastern Carolina 3A/4A Conference boys' golf meet at Goldsboro Municipal Golf Club, a markedly different feeling persisted.

Spring.

With temperatures spiking in the high 70's and sunshine in abundance, Charles B. Aycock fired a team total of 322 to best rival Eastern Wayne by 28 shots. Southern Wayne, which fielded just two golfers in last week's ECC opener, registered an aggregate mark of 405.

Aycock senior Blake Bartlett, fighting through frustration on his inward half, emerged as the medalist with a 1-over-par 73. His scorecard included nine pars, four birdies and five bogeys.

"I was two under par and we hit the wall (slow play) on six... I just started deteriorating a little bit," Bartlett said of the finish, "Hit a bad shot off the tee, and tried to punch out of the woods... had about a 15-footer for par, and just missed it."

Bartlett was the only player in the field to flirt with a score of par or better on the 5,657 yard, par-72 layout.

The Golden Falcons counted an 81 from Mitch Langston, as well as scores of 82 and 86 from Jake Flowers and Bryce Jones, respectively. Sophomore Nick Wise, playing in CBA's sixth lineup spot, fired the afternoon's second lowest score -- 78.

Eastern Wayne was led by Zack Lancaster's 80, and followed by an 82 from Drew Grady. Austin Uzzell managed an 87 and Noah Forrester carded a 91. Southern Wayne counted scores from Clay Grady, Ryan Saylor, Justin Parks and Deshawn Bradshaw.

And as spring continues its march into full bloom, Eastern Wayne head coach Ray Lippert expects better things from each Wayne County program.

"With the weather turning, it's really helping out," Lippert said. "They're getting to the course, putting in a little extra time... pretty soon the golf course(s) will pop, and we'll get to our full potential."

All three teams return to action next Monday at Southern Wayne Country Club.