In a remarkable achievement for Hancock High School, the boys and girls golf teams secured Class 6A state championships in back-to-back weeks, marking a historic sweep for the school.
The Hancock boys captured their title on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at Mallard Pointe Golf Course in Sardis, finishing 16 strokes ahead of runner-up Saltillo.
Just one week earlier, the Hancock girls dominated their championship at The Oaks Golf Club in Pass Christian, winning by a staggering 53 shots over Saltillo.
The girls team, led by sophomore Karstyn Altese, who finished in first place, and senior Kenley Archer, who took second, was in a class of its own throughout the tournament.
Altese finished with a two-day total of 144, cruising to a 10-shot victory, and Archer shot a two-day total of 154. Hancock’s Kaylee Mays also had an impressive showing, finishing sixth.
For the boys, the team followed in the girls’ footsteps, claiming the title after finishing as the runner-up last year.
Senior Logan Jensen, who earned the individual state championship, and eighth-grader Rowdy Foster helped the Hawks build a commanding 13-shot lead after the first day.
Jensen shot an incredible 5-under 67 in the first round and Foster posted an impressive 1-over 73.
“I could tell during the range session that Logan and Rowdy were dialed in and ready to go low,” said coach Trevin Burge.
On the second day, seventh-grader Madden Baughman led the way for Hancock with a 5-over 77, helping to extend the team’s lead despite some difficult course conditions.
Owen Russell, Aiden McCann and Parker Hess also played pivotal roles, with Russell improving on his first-round score by posting an 81 on the second day.
Hancock had three players finish in the top 10: Jensen in first place, Foster in fourth and Baughman in eighth.
The success of Hancock’s golf program is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the athletes, as well as the strong support from school administrators and the Hancock athletic department.
Burge expressed his gratitude to The Club at Diamondhead and its director of golf, Chris Altese, for their ongoing support and for providing top-tier facilities for the team.
With both the boys and girls teams claiming state titles in consecutive weeks, Hancock has cemented itself as a dominant force in Mississippi high school golf, showcasing not just talent but a spirit of teamwork, determination and community pride.
The sweep is a testament to the strength of the golf program at Hancock, setting the bar for years to come.
