(Citynet Statewide Sportsline interview with Todd Duncan)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Shady Spring rising senior Todd Duncan is one round away from a rare title defense at the WVGA Junior Amateur Championship. Duncan blistered the course at Glade Springs Resort en route to an opening round 68 (4-under). He leads Charleston’s Anderson Goldman (2-under) by two strokes heading into Wednesday’s final round.
Duncan birdied four of his first six holes and played even par the rest of the day. He is seeking a second consecutive state junior amateur title and would be the first player in 33 years to accomplish a repeat if he can finish the job Wednesday. He is also the reigning Class AA WVSSAC champion and the state’s Junior Match Play champion. Duncan and Goldman have distanced themselves from the field. Five golfers are tied for third place at 4-over.
In the 14-and-under division, Charles Town’s Argyle Downes leads at 5-over. He competed in the West Virginia Open last week. Downes leads Shady Spring’s Tanner Vest by one stroke.
In the 12-and-under division, Clarksburg’s Carson Higginbotham is seven shots ahead of the pack at 3-over.
For the ladies, Hurricane’s Savannah Hawkins leads the 18-and-under division by seven shots after an opening round 73 (1-over). Vienna’s Brielle Milhoan leads the 14-and-under bracket.
Final round play will begin at 7:45am Wednesday.