By Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

McDERMOTT — Patience is a virtue. It’s also a good way to win a sectional golf tournament.

With an off-and-on light rain dampening the day’s play, Ironton coach Nathan Kerns said his team’s patience was a key factor in winning the Division 2 sectional championship at the Portsmouth Elks Country Club.

“There was still some tricky stuff, but that was a testament to the patience they had,” said Kerns. “You’re going to hit some bad shots. What you have to know is you still have good shots in you.”

Ironton shot a 313 as a team to finish 13 strokes ahead of the runner-up Fairland Dragons who had a 326 total.

Gallipolis was third at 332, the Coal Grove Hornets were fourth at 336 and Piketon took fifth place at 337.

The top 5 teams and 5 individuals not on qualifying teams advance to the district tournament Wednesday at the Crown Hill Golf Course inWilliamsport.

Senior Hunter Freeman led the Fighting Tigers as he captured medalist honors with a 73 on rounds of 37 and 36 on the Par 72 course.

Teammate Eli Ford was second overall as he finished  just 3 shots back with rounds of 36 and 40.

Junior Carson Blankenship was tied for fourth place overall with a 78 as he shot a 42-36.

Senior Judah Barnes finished with an 86 on rounds of 41 and 45 while Silas Keyes had identical rounds of 44 for an 88 total.

“All the credit goes to these kids. They’ve worked their tails off,” said Kerns. “We’re deep. We’re talented. The kids work hard.They love the game. They’re everything you can ask for as a coach.

“And I’ve had some great help. My dad (Jeff) coached her for 10 years and knows the game. And I don’t have time for a lot of things you do outside of coaching and Cory McKnight has been a big help taking care of that end of business. He helped as a coach until this year because his principal work takes precedence.”

Fairland was led by senior Jeremiah Fizer and sophomore Kyle Salyer who each shot a 78. Fizer shot 35-43 and Salyer a pair of 39s.

Junior E.B. Hall had an 81 on 39-42, junior Kiyan Page an 89 on 45-44, and freshman Hunter Leep shot 91 on rounds of 45-46.

“Fairland played well today,” Kerns said. “Fairland is a solid team. They have a sophomore Kyle Salyer who played well.”

Coal Grove was paced by junior Joel Beals with rounds of 39 and 40 for a 79. Senior Logan Coffman had an 81 on 39-42, senior Noah Holmes shot an 83 with a 39-44, sophomore Jayden Webb went 46-47 for a 93 and sophomore Carson Hicks shot 97 on 50-47.

The Chesapeake Panthers were seventh with a 368 team total led by seniors Jacob Skeens and Spencer Wright who each shot an 88. Skeens had a pair of rounds of 44 while Wright went 46-42.

Senior Andrew Mick went 44-49 for a 93 and senior Shawn Carrico had a 99 on rounds of 51 and 48.

The South Point Pointers took 13th place with a team score of 443.

Freshman Hunter Blake shot a 92 on rounds of 45-47. Junior Aiden Miller had a 100 on a pair of 50 rounds. Sophomore Holden Walker went 56-59 for a 115 and sophomore Jackson Higgins went 65-71 for a 138 total.