El Dorado to host Simmons Bank golf event

The 23rd annual Simmons Bank Wildcat Invitational is set to start off the 2018 high school golf season today. El Dorado is hosting teams from Benton, Bryant, Hot Springs Lakeside, Sheridan, Texarkana and Harmony Grove.

There will be a shotgun start at 10 a.m. at the El Dorado Golf & Country Club.

"We are pleased to be able to host this event for the 23rd consecutive season," said El Dorado coach Chris Ezell. "Simmons Bank has continued to show a commitment to our golf program and we look forward to starting our season with them in such a special event."

El Dorado's varsity boys team will be led by senior Shaun York with junior Brendan Jones, sophomore Preston Howard and freshmen Baylor Blackburn and Aaron Ezell looking to compete for the Wildcats.

Senior Gabrien Parker with junior Claire Van Sickle and a trio of freshmen, Alexa Hulsey, Aubrey Marx and Jana Powell will tee it up for the Lady Wildcats.

Bryant is returning three of its top five golfers from last season's tournament champion with Landon Allison leading the way. Benton, last year's runner-up, is also returning Brendon Little. Lakeside will be looking to defend its title on the girls side, returning Abbylea Huett. Harmony Grove, the 2017 state champion, returns all four golfers this season and will be one of the teams to watch.