GOLF: Christian Fellowship's Pavloff qualifies for State Finals

With an 18-hole score of 79, Du Quoin Christian Fellowship senior Kolton Pavloff earned a spot in this weekend's IHSA Class A Boys Golf State Final Tournament in Bloomington as one of the ten individuals to advance from Tuesday's Sectional in Carlyle.

The lefty had played four holes at even par when play was suspended on Monday afternoon, and picked up right where he left off on Tuesday, finishing his front nine in 37 strokes.

"I was happy to shoot 37 on the front side," Pavloff said. "I knew the back nine would be much more difficult, especially once the rain set in for the afternoon. The combination of wind, rain, and the cool temps made playing conditions very difficult today. Plus the course was saturated from the rain last night."

Drizzling rain fell throughout the day, but scores remained strong for the most part. Waterloo Gibault senior Sam Range took home the medalist award with a 72. Pavloff's 79 placed him tied for eighth overall, fifth amongst golfers not on an advancing team.

Nashville, Effingham-St. Anthony and Wood River-East Alton will send teams to Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington. Hamilton County's team fell just one stroke short of a tie for second place.

Pinckneyville finished the day 11th in the team standings and did not have any individual golfer advance to the State Final.

Alec Brand led the Panthers with a 90, followed by Jordan Grissom (92), Lee Wittenauer (99), Grant Thompson (103), Thomas Huggins (109) and Hunter Clark (112).

Pavloff tees off at 10:00 a.m. on Friday for round one of the State Final Tournament. He missed qualifying for last year's Finals by just two strokes.

"I was hoping my 79 would get me through," Pavloff said. "I've worked hard to get my game to this point. It feels great."

Du Quoin High School golfers Ethan Keller (91) and Jacob Valier (91) also competed at Tuesday's Sectional, but failed to make the State cut of 82 strokes.