The Region 4-6A girls golf championship took place at Whispering Pines in Jackson County on Tuesday, showcasing some of the best young talent in the state.
The event featured a strong field, but it was Hancock’s Karstyn Altese who stole the spotlight with a remarkable performance.
Hancock’s team dominated the competition, finishing first with a score of 143 (1-under par).
Leading the charge was Altese, a sophomore who clinched the individual title with an impressive score of 4-under 68. Her consistent play throughout the round demonstrated exceptional skill and composure under pressure.
Teammate Kenley Archer, a senior, also delivered a strong performance, finishing in second place with a score of 3-over 75, further underscoring the depth of talent on the Hancock team.
West Harrison’s Antonella Ancho, a junior, secured third place with a score of 81, showcasing her potential as a rising star in the region. Freshman Kelsie Dearman of West Harrison also impressed with an 84, reinforcing the team’s promising future.
Individual standings
1. Karstyn Altese (sophomore), Hancock, 68 (-4)
2. Kenley Archer (senior), Hancock, 75 (+3)
3. Antonella Ancho (junior), West Harrison, 81 (+9)
4. Kaylee Mays (sophomore), Hancock, 82 (+10)
5. Kelsie Dearman (freshman), West Harrison, 84 (+12)
6. Addison Russell (junior), Hancock, 85 (+13)
7. Marilyn Demko (junior), George County, 98 (+26)
8. Ava Mackie (senior), Pascagoula, 99 (+27)
9. Alyssa Johnson (freshman), Long Beach, 102 (+30)
10. Kailee Stringfellow (junior), George County, 104 (+32)
Looking ahead
The Hancock girls golf team has now won nine straight region titles and is the
reigning 6A state champion.
The team’s next goal is securing the school’s fourth state championship in girls golf, having previously won titles in 2013, 2021 and 2023.
As the players prepare for the upcoming state championship, the momentum is on Hancock’s side, and its talented roster, led by Altese and Archer, is poised to make another strong showing.
