The Panthers made the short trip over to Northwest to take on the rival Mounties last night in a physical game.  The game started off back and forth with both teams trading baskets early on.  By the end of the first quarter the Panthers had stretched the lead to 16-6.  The shots were not falling for the Panthers in the second quarter however, as they were only able to muster four free-throws in the quarter while not making a field goal.  This allowed the Mounties to outscore the Panthers by 12 in the quarter and take a 20-22 lead heading into halftime.

 

The Panthers' defense put on a clinic in the second half though.  Their quick hands and anticipation resulted 10 steals and the pressure also forced several other turnovers.  At the end of the third quarter the Panthers had taken the lead, 34-28.  Early in the 4th quarter the Mounties were able to close the gap to 34-32, but that defense stepped up and steals led directly to 8 points and the Panthers pulled away and ended up coming home with the 46-35 victory.

 

Logan Young led the way with 6 steals in the game.  On two occasions late in the game with the score still close, Ethan Harris had has huge basketball IQ plays and was able to steal lazy inbounds passes from the Mounties that lead to easy buckets for him.  Harris was also perfect from the field, going 5-5 and scoring 12 points.  Dom Galloway led the team in points and rebounds, with 17 and 6 of each while Lincoln Warner dished out 4 assists to lead the team.

 

The win brings the Panthers record to 2-1 on the season and they will host Hastings on Thursday evening.