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Oklahoma high school girls golf: Who are stars to watch at 2024 state tournaments?

hallie hart, the oklahoman
·4 min read

Stillwater’s girls golf team dominated this season’s Class 6A East regional.

Three of the four individual medalists were Pioneers, including Oklahoma State signee Lucy Darr, who secured first place with a three-under 69. After winning the regional title by 33 strokes, the Pioneers are staying home to vie for a state championship at Stillwater Country Club.

This doesn’t mean they’re shoo-ins for the 6A crown. West regional champion Edmond North is a strong contender, and Edmond Memorial also had a solid regional showing, placing second.

All of these teams strive to dethrone Jenks, the program striving for a three-peat. Lisa Herman led the Trojans to last year’s 6A title with a phenomenal freshman season, but she no longer competes for Jenks, guaranteeing a new individual champion. Along with Darr, Norman North sophomore Juliana Hong enters the tournament as a favorite after shooting a 1-under 70 to win the 6A West regional individual title.

Here’s a look at more storylines and golfers to watch in this year’s Oklahoma high school girls golf state tournaments, which span from Monday-Tuesday:

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Lucy Darr of Stillwater tees off on the 12th hole during final round of the 6A Girls State Golf Championship at Meadowbrook Country Club Thursday, May 4, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.
Lucy Darr of Stillwater tees off on the 12th hole during final round of the 6A Girls State Golf Championship at Meadowbrook Country Club Thursday, May 4, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.

Underdog Norman qualifies for 6A state

Norman girls golf entered regionals as a definite underdog.

The Tigers had competed in only two regular-season tournaments, while many other schools had more experience. But Norman solidified its spot in the Class 6A state tournament, qualifying as a team for the first time in a three-year span.

Tatum Smith shot a team-best 85, and Logan Jakus followed with an 89.

Norman’s Logan Jakus tees off at the COAC Conference Golf Tournament at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City, on Monday, April 3, 2023.
Norman’s Logan Jakus tees off at the COAC Conference Golf Tournament at The Greens Country Club in Oklahoma City, on Monday, April 3, 2023.

Will Carl Albert defend its title?

Carl Albert concluded the 2023 season with its first state title in girls golf.

Although leaders Kamryn Zuniga and Rylan Ashley graduated, the Titans have maintained success this year. Miah Luong secured a regional title with a 77, guiding Carl Albert to a runner-up finish only four strokes behind host Ada.

As the Titans strive to go back-to-back, new contenders make the competition interesting. Ada is the defending 4A champion that has risen to 5A, and Bishop McGuinness has also hopped up to 5A.

The Fighting Irish won their regional by 20 strokes as Abbie Justiz and Allie Justiz placed second and third, respectively. They will compete for the 5A title at Muskogee Golf Club.

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Oklahoma City-area golfers to watch

Lana Bowen of Deer Creekduring tees off on the first hole in round 1 of the 6A Girls State Golf Championship at Meadowbrook Country Club Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.
Lana Bowen of Deer Creekduring tees off on the first hole in round 1 of the 6A Girls State Golf Championship at Meadowbrook Country Club Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.

Lana Bowen, Jr., Deer Creek: Although the Antlers didn’t make state as a team, Bowen qualified as an individual. She shot a 75 and placed fourth after a scorecard playoff with Abby Chang of Broken Arrow.

Lucy Darr, Sr., Stillwater: Darr was the only golfer to finish under par at the Class 6A East regional. After finishing as the state runner-up as a junior, the Oklahoma State signee is going for gold.

Gabriella Gross, So., Heritage Hall: Gross carded an 80 to win a Class 3A regional title, leading the Chargers to third place.

Avery Haddock, Sr., Oklahoma Christian Academy: Haddock placed second at OCA’s Class 2A regional with a 73.

Juliana Hong, So., Norman North: Hong was the sole golfer to finish under par at the Class 6A West regional. She is the second-ranked Oklahoman in the American Junior Golf Association’s girls standings.

Syrah Javed, Sr., Norman North: Javed was the runner-up at this year’s state preview. Her regional score was a little higher than her typical scores, but she has a chance to bounce back on the biggest stage.

McKenna Tatum of Edmond Memorial hits from the fairway on the 2nd hole during round 1 of the 6A Girls State Golf Championship at Meadowbrook Country Club Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.
McKenna Tatum of Edmond Memorial hits from the fairway on the 2nd hole during round 1 of the 6A Girls State Golf Championship at Meadowbrook Country Club Wednesday, May 3, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.

Abbie Justiz, So., McGuinness: Abbie Justiz won the Class 4A individual title as a freshman. Now, she’s striving to stand atop the 5A leaderboard.

Allie Justiz, Sr., McGuinness: Allie Justiz was the 4A runner-up last season, and she placed third at this year’s regionals. The Justiz sisters’ friendly competition fuels the Fighting Irish.

Miah Luong, Jr., Carl Albert: After playing a role on last season’s state champion team, Luong has emerged as a leader, winning a regional title with a 77.

Rylee Roberts, Sr., Edmond North: An Oklahoma State signee, Roberts carded a 72 for second place at the 6A West regional.

McKenna Tatum, Sr., Edmond Memorial: Tatum carded a 76 for the Bulldogs’ best score at regionals.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma high school girls golf: Who are stars to watch at state?