Panthers win in playoff

The Benton Panthers and Conway Wampus Cats were tied after regulation play Wednesday at Conway Country Club in Conway. With both teams shooting 160’s in nine-hole play, the Panthers won the match in a playoff. The Bryant Hornets took third, shooting a 175.
“Each team got to choose two players to play a team playoff, which is pretty cool,” Benton Coach Mark Balisterri said. “We’ve never been involved in one of those and it’s good practice to do that, because when you get to conference or state and your team ties, that’s what you have to do.”
Benton junior Parker Wilson tied for medalist honors shooting a 2-over 37, while junior Brendan Little was 3-over with a 38. Senior Drew Chilton shot a 40, while senior Regan Jones shot a 45 to round out the Panthers scoring. Senior T.J. Capel came in with a 51.
“We went to (hole) No. 18 and both of my guys (Little and Parker) had birdie putts from about 12 feet and both made par,” Balisterri said of the playoff. “One of their guys made a bogie and the other guy didn’t putt.
“Usually, the rule of thumb is you go with your one or two, but I feel like the best way to do it is go with whoever is playing the best that day. Parker ended up tying for medalist and Brendan was just one shot behind him.