Porterville golf cleans up at area tourney

Kris Kennel repeated as area tournament champion and his Panthers went on to win by scoring 53 points lower than second-place Lemoore (416), Tuesday.

It marked the third year in a row Porterville’s golf squad claimed area honors.

Kennel and teammate Nate Jessup each scored a 70 on the 18-holes at River Island Golf Course to force a sudden death playoff for first place.

Kennel eventually bested Jessup on the third hole.

Barrett Schortman shot a 72 for his best score of the season and DJ Stone carded a 73.

Mikey McGinn (78) and Quinn Proctor (80) rounded out the Panthers’ top six, who all qualified for the Valley individuals to be held at the Seven Oaks Country Club in Bakersfield on Monday, May 18.

“I am very proud of this team,” Porterville coach Lynn Enos said. “I think this team is probably the best or one of the best golf team Porterville High has ever had.”

Porterville will also participate in the Valley Team Tournament on Tuesday, May 19, at the Belmont Golf Course in Fresno.