For the second consecutive season, the Powell High School golf team made a better showing at the Class 3A state tournament than the year before.The PHS boys took fifth place at the state tourney in Lander last weekend — up from 10th last year, and their best showing since 2006.

“This was a very good season for us in terms of growth and getting back into the upper pack of 3A teams,” said PHS head Coach Troy Hildebrand.

Cody High ran away with the boys' 3A title, placing all five of their golfers in the top 12 individually. They posted a 628 total that was 46 shots better than runner-up Buffalo.

Powell, at 713, followed Douglas (679) and Torrington (694) in the 13-team field.

As he did for the entire year, senior Bryan Borcher led the Panthers with an 80-86 showing in Lander, good for a tie for 13th place.

“Bryan capped off a very good career for us with his best showing ever at the state tournament. Bryan has been such a steady performer for us for the last four years that it will be hard to replace him,” said Coach Hildebrand.

“His quiet leadership has been a big piece of our growth throughout his career.”

Hot on Borcher's heels was sophomore Brian Morse, who suffered through the flu early in the week and a 91 on Friday. But Morse rebounded in dramatic fashion on day two, posting a 76 — his personal low and the second-best round of the state tournament. That launched him into a tie for 15th place, and should “ultimately give him a lot of confidence next fall in his junior campaign,” said Hildebrand.

Zane Bushnell had a “very tough weekend and just never was able to get things going his way” in shooting 92-101, said the coach.

“He has been a steady player for us all year and I know that he will work hard to prepare for a strong senior season next fall,” Hildebrand said.

Freshman Bowen Prestwich shot 102-91.

“If his growth during this season is a sign of things to come from him, we really have a lot to look forward to,” said Hildebrand.

Senior AJ Anderson rounded out the squad with a 98-99 total.

“AJ finished off his career with two solid rounds on the difficult Lander course,” said the coach. “He has come a long way in his four years so I was pleased to see him end in a positive way.”

For the Lady Panthers, senior Saige Smith shot 112-111 to claim 13th place individually.

“Saige came very close to earning a top-10 place and All-State honors in her final event for us. That is a great accomplishment considering that she only picked the game up before her junior year. Her growth has been tremendous and she will certainly be missed next fall,” said Coach Hildebrand.

Freshman Alyssa Hildebrand shot a 129 the first day, but got sick before the second round and was unable to finish the tournament.

“She has had a good season for her freshman year and should have some positives to build off of for the next three years,” the coach said.

He added his hope that next fall the Lady Panthers would have enough players (at least three) to qualify for a team score.