SHELBY — Her medalist round of 75 was six strokes better than her nearest pursuer, but Shelby golfer Alexis Jones could have gone lower.
The Richland Bank Athlete of the Week, Jones began her pursuit of a second straight state tournament berth with an overwhelming performance at last week’s Division II sectional tournament at Galion’s Valley View Golf Course. She won her second straight sectional title going away, improving on last year’s winning score by two strokes.
And it could have been more.
“The thing is she left some shots out there,” Shelby coach Brad Ruminski said. “I saw her play nine of 18 holes and she didn’t hit the ball close to the way she is capable of.
“It’s impressive seeing her win tournaments when she isn’t at her best.”
Valley View sets up well for the 16-year-old Jones. She shot a 77 as a freshman to claim medalist honors en route to a district runner-up finish and a 14th-place showing at the state tournament.
“I like the course because I hit long drives,” she said. “The greens are fun. It’s definitely a challenge.”
The sophomore’s sectional victory came hard on the heels of her second straight North Central Ohio Girls Golf League Tournament individual title. She shot a 76 at Ashland’s Brookside Golf Course.
“Tournament like this give you a feel for where you are and what you need to improve on,” Jones said.
Improving on her sensational freshman season won’t be easy. After winning the NCOGGL and sectional titles last fall, Jones took runner-up honors at the district tournament with a 75 at Sycamore Springs near Findlay. A week later, she carded a two-day total of 161 at Ohio State’s Gray Course to finish in a tie for 14th place at the state tournament.
“That experience is invaluable,” Ruminski said. “Last year, she was experiencing everything for the first time. This year, she knows what to expect.”
Despite being just a sophomore, Jones has emerged as the team leader. The Whippets’ varsity roster included freshmen Emma Roberts and Claire Korbas. Shelby finished fourth as a team at the sectional tournament (the top three teams and top three individuals not on a qualifying team advanced to district).
“It was exciting for our girls to be in the hunt for a district berth,” Ruminski said. “They are going to continue to improve.”
As is Jones.
“I see how hard she works,” Ruminski said. “She is out there improving her game every day.”
