Butler shoots 77at state tourney

PAHRUMP — Carson High’s Dalton Butler shot a first-round 77 in the first round of the NIAA Division I championship Wednesday afternoon at Mountain Falls Golf Course.

Butler is in a six-way tie for 23rd place entering today’s final round.

Nine players shot par or better on a 75-degree day. Manogue’s Nick Turner leads the way with a 68, while Palo Verde’s Brandon Bauman and Arbor View’s Van Thomas were at 69.

Bishop Gorman is the first-round leder with a 373, three shots ahead of Palo Verde, six shots ahead of Coronado and seven shots ahead of Bishop Manogue.

“Dalton played really well, especially for a course he’s never seen before,” said Carson coach Jeff Rispin. “He struck the ball well and his putting was very good. He had two eagle putts and at least three birdie putts that burned the edges. With a few putts falling and a few good breaks, he could have been right around par.”