Team rebounds after rough home meetWith wind, rain and snow raging around the Big Horn Basin, the Powell High School golf team found enough relief from the elements on Friday to post a runner-up finish in the nine-team Riverton Invitational.“In the eight years that I've coached golf, that was by far the worst weather we have ever driven in to get to a tournament,” said Panther golf coach Troy Hildebrand. “Thermopolis had 3-5 inches of snow and it was still coming down, so to get to Riverton and have it be playable and the weather at least decent was very fortunate.”

The Panthers cashed in on those favorable conditions as Zane Bushnell and Bryan Borcher placed in the top five with rounds in the low 80s. As a team, Powell posted a score of 343, finishing 18 strokes in back of meet champion Evanston, but three strokes clear of third-place Lander. Kemmerer (354) and host Riverton (367) were the next closest teams.

“I was extremely pleased with how we came out and played this week after not playing up to our potential in poor weather the week before at home,” said Hildebrand. “Riverton is a very challenging course, and with some moisture in the air and cool temperatures, it made for a tough day. Our players really stepped up and put together a solid day.”

Zane Bushnell had the most solid score by a Panther. After a rough go at the Powell Golf Club the previous week, Bushnell rebounded with a round of 81 to place fourth overall. Teammate Bryan Borcher was one stroke behind in fifth place.

“Zane played very well to earn a top-five finish this week. We'll definitely be looking to him for leadership next fall,” said Hildebrand.

“This was Bryan's final tournament for us as he has a family commitment this week, so it was great to see him play well in his finale. He has been a staple of our program and I will certainly miss him next fall.”

Filling in behind the pair were rounds of identical 90 from Bowen Prestwich and Colter Adolph and a round of 92 from Brian Morse.

“Bowen continued to be consistent and hover right around 90 for us,” said Hildebrand. “Colter was also playing his last tournament of the season for us due to a prior commitment. He should be a key piece for us next fall. Brian had one very bad hole in a tough three-hole stretch, but was able to fight through it and post a 2-over 38 on the back nine. He has a ton of talent.”

Also golfing for the Panthers on Friday was Cameron Nielson, who was making his spring debut after rehabbing from a wrist injury. Nielson's return to the links ended with a 110 on the scorecard.

“Cameron will be battling for a spot on the travel team next fall,” Hildebrand noted.

The Powell High School golf team wraps up its spring season on Friday at Olive Glenn Golf and Country Club in Cody.

“This should be a very good tournament on a quality course with what should be a deep field,” Hildebrand said. “We will be without Bryan and Colter, but this tournament will give all of the rest of our players one more tournament round before the summer.”