LOCAL: Marshall County Boys Golf Team Looking to Compete for State Title, Keith Bell Coaching for his Job

By Quinn Eaton

There is no other way to put it. The Marshall County Boys golf team has consistently been the team to beat in the 2019 season. A team goal of shooting under 290 was finally met in their regional championship, shooting 289 to take home the coveted Region 1 trophy, and they are now riding that momentum into a state tournament that's title has not been brought back to Benton, KY since 2007. Upperclassmen Tyler Powell (Murray State Commit), Jay Nimmo (Mississippi State Commit), and Camdyn McLeod (Committed to the Gym) lead the lazily named Marshall County Marshals, with a young but accomplished supporting cast (Trey Wall and Preston Futrell) rounding out the lineup. The team is governed by the world class coach Keith Bell, who some would say is coaching for his job.

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With the KHSSA (Kentucky High School Sports Association) establishing new rules for the state tournament, more individuals will be participating and the number of teams representing each region have been cut in half. Though controversial, it may help the underdog Marshall County team to compete against the high class golf from the Louisville and Lexington regions for the State Team Title. There are two very important qualities that the Marshall County golf team has exuded throughout the season: grit and confidence. The Marshals have had a very busy and prosperous season, winning four invitationals throughout the year and five total counting the regional victory. Each tournament they have participated in has allowed the team to enrich their grittiness, and with the number one player Jay Nimmo wearing pants and popping his collar every chance he gets, it is evident that confidence is not lacking.

Junior Jay Nimmo and Senior Tyler Powell both like where the team currently stands as well as their chances against the field at the upcoming state tournament. "I feel like if the team clicks back to back days we have a legitimate chance to bring back a state championship," said Nimmo. Powell pointed to the team's toughness in his statement, saying "I feel as if the team has a very good possibility in running for the state title. Since the conditions may be tough with cold weather and rain, I feel like we play well in that atmosphere." Conditions may be tough, but nothing can stand to be as brute as the boys wearing orange and blue. 

Expectations for Marshall County are high coming off their scorching hot 289 team score at their Regional Championship, but the team is up for the challenge, as they have been all year. Coach Keith Bell, who is coaching for his job (though not his main source of income, most likely spiritually fulfilling rather than financially), has had great success in his tenure as golf coach of the boys team. He looks to continue that as the team tees it up on October 11th and 12th at Bowling Green Country Club in (you guessed it) Bowling Green, KY.

Photo Credit: marshallcountydaily.com