Two Lee University golfers honored and other sports news

Friday, January 1, 1904

Lee University's JB Eksteen and Hunter Vest were among only 18 NAIA Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholars for 2013. Honorees must have completed at last three collegiate seasons and participated in at least 50 percent of their teams' rounds this year, and they must have a minimum stroke average of 77.0 and a grade point average of 3.2 or better. "This is one of the best awards given out, in my opinion, because it is a true student-athlete award," Lee coach John Maupin said. "Hunter and JB are both very deserving."

• Oliver Simonsen of Ooltewah shot a 3-over-par 145 for two rounds and then beat Cooper Sears of Old Hickory, Tenn., in a playoff to win the Toyota Tournament of Champions at the Golf Club of Tennessee at Kingston Springs on Tuesday.

BASEBALL

• Ridgeland High School baseball coach Scott Harden reported this week that two of the 2012 Panthers have been recruited to college programs. First baseman Tray Hill will be attending Toccoa Falls College on a full scholarship. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder hit .352 with nine homers, seven doubles and 29 RBIs this past season. "Tray has raw power and is a great middle-of-the-lineup lefty that many coaches look for," Harden said. Three-year starter Isaac Martenn signed with Georgia Highlands College after batting .315 with five doubles, two triples and 18 stolen bases.

Diving

• Baylor Diving Club member Eva Binder followed up her fourth-place showing in the 12-year-old girls' 3-meter competition with a fifth-place 1-meter showing Thursday at the AAU National Diving Championships in San Antonio. BSC teammate Natalie Smallen was eighth in the 9-under age group after finishing sixth in 3-meter.