The News staff report

ANAHUAC — The District 22-5A golf championships proved to be the same song, seventh verse for the Port Neches-Groves boys and reaffirmation that Karlei Hemler and the PN-G girls are head-and-shoulders above what passes for their competition.

In year one after the departure of four-year star Braden Bailey, PN-G rolled to its seventh consecutive title by 15 strokes. The Indians, leading Lumberton by eight and Nederland by 11 entering the final day, posted a nifty 306 over Tuesday’s final 18 holes at Chambers County Golf Club to snuff any hopes of its challengers.

The 306 was a 12-shot improvement over Monday and put the Indians’ final total at 624. Nederland, with a closing 310, improved by 19 shots over its opening round for a 639 to edge Lumberton for the second spot in the regional tournament.

Tyler Feemster and Josh Elmore led the way for the Indians, tying for medalist honors at 152 after rounds of 74 and 75, respectively. Feemster claimed the gold medal with a par on the second hole of a sudden-death playoff.

The Indians biggest boost on Tuesday came from Daniel Stephens. Battling flu symptoms, Stephens rebounded from an 84 with a 76 for a 160 total. Bryant Hardy shot 81 for 161. Cameron Keith, after a first-day 81, faded to an 89 for 170.

“This one was pretty satisfying,” said PN-G coach Ricky Keyes. “I was happy that I had five seniors to choose from this season, plus Josh Elmore is a strong sophomore. The guys stepped up and played much better today. Coming in, I was cautiously optimistic but not overconfident.”

Hemler and the Lady Indians, meanwhile, won by a ridiculous 192 strokes over runner-up Vidor. That’s right, 192 strokes. PN-G add a 345 to a first-day 336 for a 681. Vidor, which will get to go to regional as the second place team, finished at 873.

Hemler, who added a 75 to Monday’s 72, won her second consecutive individual title by 14 shots over teammate Brynna Bailey who shot 161 (82-79). Kensey Dukes with a second consecutive 95 finished third overall with a 190. Taryn Robinson added a 96 for 201.

Though Nederland could not catch PN-G on the boys side, it did have four players break 80 Tuesday on the way to its 310. Michael Krautz shot 76 (161), Michael Glover fired a 77 (163), Kris Robbins posted 78 (161) and John Krautz was in at 79 (160). Mitchell LeBaron shot 80 for 161.

Lumberton was edged for the second regional berth by Nederland, but will be sending its top two players for medal competiton. Seth Morgan carded a 76 for 155 to finish third overall and Bryce Shaver was fourth at 157 (79-78).

The Region III tourney is set for April 12-13 at River Ridge Golf Club in Sealy.