The News staff report

ANAHUAC — If this is going to be the year somebody snaps Port Neches-Groves’ stranglehold on the District 22-5A boys golf championship, either Lumberton or Nederland are going to have to turn it up a couple of notches during today’s final 18 holes.

Ricky Keyes’ Indians, stalking a seventh consecutive title, were eight shots up on Lumberton and 11 ahead of Nederland after an opening 318 at Chambers County Golf Club. PN-G players also dominated the individual scoreboard by posting the three lowest scores.

On the girls side, meanwhile, it is strictly no contest as the Lady Indians, behind Karlei Hemler’s 72 and Brynna Bailey’s 82, opened a whopping 95-stroke lead with a 336 total. PN-G, which has won all six of its tournaments this season, also got an 87 from Rian Weatherford and a 95 from Kensey Dukes.

Josh Elmore was low for the PN-G boys and Monday’s medalist with a 77. Tyler Feemster was a stroke back at 78, while Cameron Keith added an 81 and Bryant Hardy shot 82.

The most interesting battle Tuesday could be between Lumberton, Nederland and PN-G’s “B” team for the second spot at regionals. The PN-G “B” squad, led by a 78 from Blake Thibodaux and an 80 from Jake Fitzgerald, shot 330 and is only four strokes out of second.

Other scores for PN-G were an 85 by Brian Landry and an 87 from Chase Selman.

Lumberton stayed with striking distance of the PN-G “A” team behind 79s from Bryce Shaver and Seth Morgan. Christian Stuart (83) and Peyton Weems (85) rounded out Lumberton’s top four.

Nederland was led by Mitchell LeBaron’s 80 and an 81 by John Krautz. Kris Robbins added an 83 for the Bulldogs and Michael Krautz was at 85.