The Alexander Central High men's golf team, which finished 13 shots behind Northwestern 3A/4A Conference champion Hickory during the regular season, turned it up a notch Monday in regional play.

The Cougars fired a team score of 299 and finished third in the Class 4A Western Regional at the Pine Island Country Club in Charlotte. Myers Park captured the regional title with a team score of 293; Ardrey Kell finished second with a 297. Alexander Central, Ardrey Kell and Myers Park will now advance on to the state finals next Monday and Tuesday, May 9-10 at Pinehurst No.6.
Zach Burket paced the Cougars with a 72; team-mates Ben Gardner and Matt Foster each fired a 75. Philip Oweida of Myers Park was the leading medalist with a four under 67. David Sargent of Hough, Will Rainey and Taylor Grassi of South Mecklenburg all qualified for state as individuals. Rainey fired a two over 73; Grassi shot a 75, and had to win a one-hole playoff against two other golfers to reach the state meet. Sargent shot a 74.
Trey NcNeil, Spencer Hodges and Ben Beason represented Watauga High at regionals, but did not qualify for the state meet.