Panthers win team title, Matthews takes individual crown

Published 12:52 pm Tuesday, May 2, 2023

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The Northside golf team battled wet and windy conditions to claim its first Coastal Plains Conference title since 2016 Monday at Cypress Landing Golf Club.

The Panthers shot a four-person 18 hole team total of 351 to defeat second place East Carteret (369) by 18 strokes. Lejeune (373), Pamlico County (391) and Southside (393) completed the field.

“I’m proud that everyone’s effort to improve throughout the season paid off under less than ideal conditions today,” Northside coach Jared Adams said. “We practiced over Easter break and all nine of them have worked to get better. Wyatt Berry made some putts and did have any penalty strokes and shot his best round today. We’ve had different people contribute all season and that’s what’s made our team successful.”

Southside senior Gabe Matthews won the individual title with an 81 to finish one shot ahead of Berry and two in front of Northside’s Gavin Sawyer.

“Gabe played a very solid round especially for the course conditions,” Southside coach David Dixon said.  “He was 38 on the front and 43 on the back. Keeping the ball in play was critical and he did that with the exception of one hole. He’s averaged around 80 for the season with some rounds in the 70’s. He’s been very consistent because of his work in practice and in the off-season. He stays calm under adversity and has had a great season for us.”

Berry (82), Sawyer (83), David Wallace (85) and Claire Holmes (101) comprised the Panthers team score.

Matthews (81), Caleb Dixon (102), Latham Dixon (102) and Harrison Phelps (108) accounted for the Southside’s total.

Northside’s team qualified for Monday’s 1A East regional at the Washington Yacht & Country Club, while Matthews qualified as an individual.