Defending state champion Ware County punched its ticket to the GHSA State Riflery finals knocking off visiting Buford here Friday afternoon in the all-classification semifinals.
The Gators, who beat Tift County (1,150-1,104) in the first round, posted a 1,154 team score to knock off the Wolves, who shot 1,114, in the matchup.
Ware County’s Makayla Whitley garnered top honors shooting a 292 with 19 bullseyes. Whitely recorded a pair of 99s in the prone and kneeling positions.
Austin Griffis finished second with a 290 score with 15 bullseyes. Neve Smoak (15 bullesyes) and Gabrielle Howard (13) posted scores of 286 to round out the team score. Howard recorded a 99 in the prone position.
Shonda Mosley (6) added a 267 for Team A.
WCHS Team B was led by Katie Bowman’s (12) 277. Colton Hersey (nine) netted a 262 and Nazz Hernandez (eight) finished with a 253.
Buford had three of its five shooters shot 282 or better.
The 2023 GHSA Riflery State Championship will take place April 1 at the University of North Georgia Convocation Center in Dahlonega
