Four locals vying for lead after first round of Las Vegas Junior Open

Troix Tonkham used a strong finish to pass four local golfers that are in a logjam at the top to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the American Junior Golf Association's Las Vegas Junior Open on Tuesday at Anthem Country Club.

Tonkham, who will be a senior at Sherman Oaks (Calif.) High School, fired a 3-under-par 69, using a strong back nine to overtake Coronado High's AJ McInerney and Kenden Slattery, Foothill's Taylor Montgomery and Silverado's Josh Fisher, who shot 1-under 71s.

Arbor View's Zane Thomas, the defending boys champion, struggled to a 6-over 78 and is tied for 31st place in the 54-player field.

Green Valley's Alex Kaui shot a first-round 2-under 70 to take the lead in the girls division. She has a four-shot edge over Faith Lutheran's Anne Freman, Green Valley's Jenny Hahn and incoming UNLV freshman Dana Finklestein, all of whom finished with 2-over 74s.

Play continues at 7:30 a.m. today.