SOUTHERN PINES – Today (Tuesday) concludes the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA) state golf tournament and eight area golfers are vying for the top spot.

Fifth-seed Northeast Academy was the only team from the Roanoke-Chowan region to make the eight team field. Terra Ceia Christian School will also be representing the Tarheel Independent Conference.

In addition to the two teams, Ridgecroft’s Virginia Lane and Sheev Patidar and Sam Mitchell of Lawrence Academy made the cut.

In golf the top eight individuals that are not already on a team competing in the state tournament are invited to compete.

The tournament is being held at Hyland Hills Golf Course and began yesterday and will conclude today.

Teams had an opportunity to play a practice round Sunday and last year’s 1-A tournament was also held at Hyland Hills so many of the players are familiar with the course.

Kerr-Vance Academy is the favorite to win this year’s tournament according to Northeast head coach Scott Emory.

&uot;They are the number one team according to the indexes,” Emory said. “Our number one player would be their fifth or sixth player so that tells you how strong Kerr-Vance is.&uot;

Last year the Eagles were tied for second after two days of golf, but lost the playoff, giving them third place.

This year Emory thinks his team has a realistic shot of placing third.

Justin Barnes is Northeast’s number one player and is ranked thirteenth in the state.

Also playing for the Eagles are Parker Brown, Will Allen, Chris Futrell and Brodie Harrell.

Weather may be a factor according to Emory.

&uot;From what I understand it will be clear, but a little breezy,” he said. “By mid-afternoon the wind may be blowing pretty badly and that’s bound to have a little effect on them.&uot;