The News staff report

SEALY — None of Southeast Texas’ three teams in the 5A Region III golf tournament did particularly well on Tuesday, but three individuals put themselves in a strong position to advance to state.

Port Neches-Groves sophomore Josh Elmore fired a two-over-par 73 at River Ridge Golf Club to share the first round medal lead with Jake Wade of Magnolia West on the boys side. After a shanked wedge led to a double bogey on the third hole, Elmore played even par the rest of the way.

In girls play, PN-G senior Brynna Bailey upstaged her more heralded teammate, Karlei Hemler, with a 74 that had her in a tie for sixth. Hemler was a stroke back and in a tie for eighth with a 74. The leader was at 67. There were four 71s.

PN-G’s District 22-5A champions, meanwhile, stumbled to a 326 team total and were tied for 10th. Among the teams ahead of the Indians was 22-5A runner-up Nederland which was seventh after a 322.

Ridge Point and George Ranch were the team leaders at 306, with Magnolia Ranch two shots back in third place. The top three teams after today’s final 18 holes advance to state.

Nederland was led by Mitchell LeBaron and Michael Krautz with 80s. John Krautz and Kris Robbins were were a stroke back of their teammates at 81. No. 5 man Michael Glover carded a 90.

Elmore was 10 shots better than PN-G’s No. 2 scorer, Cameron Keith, who shot an 83. Bryant Hardy, Daniel Stephens and Tyler Feemster all signed off on 85s.

PN-G’s girls were well back in team competition with a team total of 358.

Kensey Dukes shot 99 and Taryn Robinson had a 110. No. 5 player Rian Weatherford was in at 117.