Burtonsville’s Denny McCarthy brought some of his best stuff to the U.S. Junior Amateur. He beat medalist Curtis Thompson in the round of 32 and he made seven birdies in a spectacular quarterfinal victory over Richard Jung of Toronto.

But Friday afternoon in the semifinals, McCarthy’s run ended as he lost in 19 holes to Justin Thomas of Goshen, Ky. McCarthy never trailed in the match until the Alabama-bound Thomas made a par in sudden death to win the 19^th hole. McCarthy made par on the first 12 holes and had a 1 up lead. His lone bogey of the match, at No. 15, a 464-yard par 4, was costly however, as he lost his lead.

Thomas will face 14-year-old sensation Jim Liu, who will bid to become the youngest champion in the 63-year history of the event, in Saturday’s championship match at Egypt Valley Country Club in Ada, Mich.