The Powell High School golf teams logged time on two separate courses for one event last week, competing in the Cats and Dogs Invitational in Lovell and Thermopolis.

The two-day tournament began Thursday in Lovell and wrapped up Friday in Thermopolis, with golfers from Lovell, Cody, Powell, Thermopolis and Worland in attendance. As a team, Powell showed some consistency, shooting a 368 Thursday and following that with a 376 Friday.

“With only five schools in the field, we were all able to bring some new and less experienced players and it wound up being a great event for everyone,” said PHS head coach Troy Hildebrand. “Worland ran away with the team title followed by Thermopolis, but we played pretty well again this week and did some nice things to build off of the success we had in Buffalo.”

After posting back-to-back top 10 finishes the last two tournaments, Lady Panther Mycah Wainscott had a breakout week, carding a 91-86 to finish in the top spot on the girls’ side.

“Mycah has been one of the top girls this year in 3A girls golf, and this week in the small field she really showed her best,” Hildebrand said, adding, “This is exactly what she needed as we head to our culminating events.”

For the first time this season, Wainscott had a Lady Panther teammate, as freshman Jasmin Simonson made her tournament debut, carding a 157 at Thermopolis.

“This was the perfect week, and Thermopolis was the perfect course to get her out there and get in 18 holes in that setting,” Hildebrand said. “She did a nice job, and this will give her a starting point to build off of for next spring and fall.”

On the boys’ side Crandell Sanders was the top Panther finisher for the second straight week, carding an 82 in Lovell and an 81 in Thermopolis. Hildebrand said the senior is peaking at the right time.

“When he is consistent like this and really limits his mistakes, he is going to be right in the mix,” the coach said of Sanders. “He has a great attitude and confidence in his play right now and these last two weeks should be very exciting for him.”

George Higgins continued his consistent play for the Panthers, shooting an 81 Thursday and an 84 Friday.

“George had little to no experience on these two courses, and he stepped up and continued his strong play this fall,” Hildebrand said. “George is such a smart player, and his ability to play to his strengths makes him a threat each week on any course.”

Also showing consistency was freshman Steven Stambaugh, who did a “great job” in keeping both rounds under 100 (97-99) for the second straight week, the coach said.

“He [Stambaugh] has been such a pleasant surprise this fall, and this experience will only pay dividends for us over the next three years,” Hildebrand said.

Brandon Wentz carded a 108-115 for the Panthers.

“Brandon has worked hard and his improvement this fall has been a real plus for our team,” Hildebrand said of the sophomore. “He is trying each week to improve his entire game, and hopefully these next two weeks it will all come together for him.”

Yogi Sullivan carded a 119 Thursday in Lovell, but rallied to shave seven strokes Friday in Thermopolis, shooting a 112.

“Yogi is still doing a lot of things well, but falling victim to two or three really tough holes,” Hildebrand said. “He is working during practice to iron a few things out, and really wants to put his best performances together over the next two weeks.”

After struggling to a 129 on Thursday in Lovell, Jacob Thiel opened his second round in Thermopolis with a birdie, setting the tone for a career-best 109.

“He [Thiel] has come leaps and bounds over the last two years and it was fun to see him have that success,” Hildebrand said.

Four PHS freshmen also got a chance to log some valuable tournament experience: Trevor Groves (135-107), Seth Siebert (140-120), Stetson Davis (129-143) and Sam Hallman (147-126) represent the future of Panther golf, Hildebrand said.

The PHS golf teams will log a lot of miles the next two weeks, beginning with the conference tournament at the Purple Sage Golf Course in Evanston, starting Thursday. State will be the following weekend in Afton.