While the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots golf team didn’t have the same fortunes at the AISA State Championship this season as they had in 2011, head coach Gene Allen sees a bright spot future.

The Pats finished ninth at the state match in Selma on Tuesday, well behind winner Lee-Scott Academy.

“While we didn’t win the tournament, we gained valuable experience that will help in the future,” said Allen. “It would’ve taken great performances, better than we played all year, for us to win it. We will be back in the future more ready.”

Ryan Johnson lead the Patriots individually, finishing eighteenth overall after firing rounds of 83 on Monday and 84 on Tuesday.

Behind Johnson came L.C. May, Susie Stell, Preston Rhodes and Gibson Byars.

Stell, the lone girl in the field, gained confidence throughout the event, and proved that she can go shot-for-shot with the guys.

“She is already pretty confident with her play,” said Allen. “We are trying to get more girls interested in playing. If that happens, we can have a girls tournament, which will help her out a lot.”

Allen said that the team gave it the all, and he looks forward to the future as the players continue to develop.

“All I ever ask of them is to give it all they got,” said Allen. “This group right here did just that, and I’m, proud of them.”