The defending state champion Powell High School golf team opened its spring season last weekend with a pair of runner-up performances. After a months-long winter layoff, the Panthers seem in no hurry to relinquish their leadership role in 3A golf.

Powell opened its spring at Riverton. Despite rain, sleet and lightning in Powell that day, the Panther golfers were able to find healthy spring weather conditions that enabled the team to compete.

Defending 3A medal champion Bowen Prestwich carded a round of 81 to finish in fourth place at Riverton. Teammate Pax Mitchell was two strokes back in a tie for fifth place. Also finding a home in the top 10 was Brian Morse, whose round of 85 was good enough for ninth place overall.

The Panther boys’ lineup for the tournament was filled out by Cameron Nielson’s round of 89, Jackson Roling’s round of 92 and Zach Kienlen’s 102.

The Panthers finished second as a team in the 13-school field.

“Riverton is a very challenging course and it was a great test for us right out of the gates,” said Panther golf coach Troy Hildebrand. “Bowen had a solid start to his spring. He’s picking up right where he left off last fall. Pax was playing Riverton for the first time and did a great job of handling the challenges and Brian is competing in his final season for us and it was nice to see him get another top 10 finish.”

Hildebrand also lauded Nielson’s performance.

“He seems to really see that we’ll need him this fall and is putting a lot of work into all aspects of his game,” said Hildebrand.

On the girls’ side, Tess Mitchell carded a round of 108. Mikala Fulton added a round of 141 as the Panthers were unable to field enough golfers to post a team score.

“Tess had one tough hole, but otherwise put together a nice round,” said Hildebrand. “Riverton is one of the tougher courses for girls and I thought she performed well in her first shot at it. Mikala also ran into some real trouble on a couple of holes, but has really found a passion for golf and is pouring her time into the game.”

The Panthers were back in action on Saturday in Worland. The meet was an important one for Powell as Worland will be the site of next fall’s 3A state championship tournament.

If Saturday was any indication, the Panthers will be more than happy to make a return trip to Worland in the fall. The Panthers were once again the No. 2 team in the final standings, trailing only Class 4A powerhouse Sheridan.

“The weather held off for us again and we were able to get in another round,” Hildebrand said. “With prom, we took a slightly different group to Saturday’s meet.”

Prestwich was back on the course and carded a round of 74 to place third overall. Roling and Nielson also found their way into the top 10, placing eighth and ninth, respectively, with rounds of 81 and 82.

Mitchell had a few struggles, narrowly missing the top 10 with a round of 84 and Kienlen carded a round of 93 for Powell.

“It was great to see Bowen put up a 74 on the course where we’ll be playing State next fall,” said Hildebrand. “Jackson bounced back (from Friday) and played like he is capable of and Cameron had a great day for us in Worland. This was his first varsity top 10 and a career low tournament round. For this early in the spring, he is doing some really good things.”

On the girls’ side, Carli Brown broke 100 to finish with a round of 97. Fulton added a score of 116 as the Panthers again lacked enough players to qualify a team score.

“Both girls shot career best tournament rounds,” said Hildebrand. “Carli came right out and shot a career best. She has just continued to improve since last fall, and I am excited about where she’ll end up next year. Mikala put up her best tournament score ever and just continues to show improvement in all parts of her play.”

The Panther golfers return to action on Friday in Thermopolis. The team travels to Lovell on Saturday with play teeing off at 10 a.m. both days.