Mahanay finishes Bearcat career at state

Braylon Mahanay's career as an Aledo Bearcat golfer came to a close Tuesday afternoon, May 23, at the Class 5A Boys State Golf Tournament at White Wing Golf Club in Georgetown.

Mahanay shot a 157 over two days to tie for 39th individually. He opened with a 78 on Monday and followed with a 79 on Tuesday.

Coach Tom Croft, Braylon Mahanay, and Coach Brian Mourning

"He struck the ball real well. First few holes of the tournament his adrenaline was going and he hit a few balls deeper on the green than he wanted. Led to a couple three-putts and put him at two over pretty early," Aledo coach Brian Mourning said. "He made some great putts all tournament, but the ball was not falling for him. Obviously, the pin placements were in tough locations and just couldn't get anything to drop."

Mahanay was making his second straight appearance at state. He led the Bearcats as a team to the tournament in 2022.

Ironically, Mahanay matched his state score from last  year, when he also shot a 157 (80-77).

Thomas Curry of Texarkana won the individual title with a 134 (66-68) over two rounds, five shots ahead of Luke Colton of Frisco Wakeland. The team championship went to Montgomery Lake Creek with a 595 (303-292), with Comal Smithson Valley second at 601 (302-299).

In earning his way to state, Mahanay won the District 5-5A championship, as did the Bearcats as a team. At the Region 1 Tournament he finished tied for third to qualify for state, while the Bearcats narrowly missed joining him as a team with a fourth-place finish.

Now that his high school career is over, Mahanay took a moment to reflect. 

"I loved every minute of it," Mahanay said. "Playing as a team with some of your best buddies always makes for fun times. Getting to travel and play courses all around Texas, missing school, doing what you love to do and hanging out with the team, couldn't ask for much more."

However, Mahanay is staying local for a little while longer with his golf game. He will play for Weatherford College next season.

"I'm excited Braylon gets to keep playing at the next level and glad I had the opportunity to see him grow this year," Mourning said. "He's been a staple for us all year and is going to be missed next year."

Chris Mahanay, Braylon Mahanay, and Candice Mahanay