Ripley Golf State Champions Receive Trophy and Banner
The Ripley golf state champions got their moment in front of the home crowd this week. During Thursday night’s basketball games at the Event Center on Nov. 12, Ripley High School formally recognized its 2026 MHSAA Class 4A state champion boys golf team, presenting the Tigers with their state championship trophy and banner.
Rico McDonald presented the trophy and banner to the team, according to a Ripley High School Facebook post shared the next day. The school called the title part of “a remarkable tradition of excellence” for the program.
Ripley Golf State Champions: Four Titles in Five Years
The 2026 crown gives Ripley golf four state championships in five years, the school said. The Tigers won Class 4A titles in 2023 and 2024 before New Albany took the trophy in 2025, and Ripley reclaimed it this fall.
The senior class has been part of much of that run. According to the school, four seniors have now played on three state championship teams during their high school careers:
- Parker McAlister
- Bo Barefield
- Charlie Cross
- Bradyn Coleman
Individual Standouts at State
Two Tigers also shone individually at this year’s state tournament. Ripley High said senior Parker McAlister and seventh grader Baker Behm tied for second place in the individual standings. Having a seventh grader finish near the top of the state leaderboard suggests the program’s pipeline is in good shape for the seasons ahead.
The school also congratulated golf coach Nik Wilcher and every member of the team, saying their “dedication, hard work, and continued success” have built an incredible legacy for Ripley golf.
A Fall Golf Title
The MHSAA moved golf from the spring to the fall beginning with the 2023 season, the year Ripley won the first of its recent titles. Because the championships finish in late October, schools often hold their trophy and banner presentations during the early weeks of basketball season, when the gym is full of fans.
The photo shared by Ripley High shows the team and coaches holding the red MHSAA “Class 4A Boys Golf 2026 State Champions” banner at center court, with the gold trophy in hand.
A Busy Week for Ripley High Athletics
The golf celebration capped a big week for the Tigers. On Nov. 12, Ripley baseball player Paxton Kennamore signed to play at Itawamba Community College. Ripley High’s basketball teams are also in the early weeks of their season.
Tippah News first reported Ripley’s championship when it was announced in late October. Fans who want to congratulate the team can do so through Ripley High School and the South Tippah School District.
Related: Ripley Golf Wins 2026 MHSAA Class 4A State Title and Ripley’s Paxton Kennamore Signs With Itawamba CC Baseball.
Source: Ripley High School (Facebook)
