Junior is state champ again, ‘neers claim team title
Mitchell junior Connor Warren holds up his second straight individual state champion plaque this past week as his teammate Brody Miller holds his second straight Farm Bureau Sportsmanship Award. (Submitted)
Mitchell High School junior Connor Warren is the 1A individual state golf champion for a second straight year.
Warren defended his individual title at the North Carolina High School Athletic Association boys’ golf state tournament in Pinehurst this past week by turning in an 11-under-par performance. In addition, the Mountaineers captured the school’s first team state title.
Warren’s 36-hole score of 133 is the second-best championship performance in NCHSAA history behind only current PGA Tour pro J.T. Poston who shot a 131 on the course in 2011.
His dominant showing saw him win the individual title by 14 strokes. He was the only golfer in the field to finish under par.
Across the two-day tournament, Warren turned in 12 birdies and an eagle.
“Winning back-to-back is awesome, and getting to share the win with my team makes it even better,” Warren said. “These guys are some of my best friends and we make each other better.”
Warren thanked his coach, Bobby Anglin, as well as Craig Sparks, community members and members of the Grassy Creek Golf and Country Club for their support.
Mitchell’s Brody Miller and Bryce Miller backed up Warren and helped the team win the title as the two posted an 82. Colby Garland shot a 90 to round out the team score.
The Mountaineers’ team score was enough to beat second-place South Stanly by 20 strokes. Cherryville checked in at third place in the final team standings. Mitchell finished as runner-up in the state last year but avenged its second-place finish in its return to the big stage.
Brody Miller joined Warren in taking home some hardware. For a second straight year, he earned the Farm Bureau Sportsmanship Award.
“Last year’s loss motivated us,” Warren said. “This year could not have ended any better.”