The 8th grade A boys basketball team traveled to Harper Creek to take on the Beavers last night.  The Beavers came out very eager with a high pressure press that the Panthers initially struggled with.  The length and pressure of Harper Creek forced the Panthers into committing 8 first quarter turnovers.  At the end of the first quarter the Panthers found themselves in a big hole, down 4-23.  The Panthers eventually settled in and were able to get shots off but they would just not go down.  The shooting woes from the first quarter continued into the second quarter as they shot 6-24 from the field in the first half and found themselves trailing 18-35 going into the half.  

 

Once the Panthers were able to gather their composure it was a competitive game with the Panthers outscoring the Beavers 36-32 the final 3 quarters.  Unfortunately the first quarter deficit was too much to overcome and the Panthers fell 40-55.  

 

The effort was not lacking for the Panthers tonight as displayed by their work on the glass, outrebounding the Beavers 29-22 despite being outsized at every position.  The Panthers were also able to get more second chance looks than Harper Creek as they also led in that category 14-9.  Ultimately, turnovers, poor shooting and too many easy baskets for Harper were the Panthers undoing.

 

Dom Galloway led all players in the game in scoring with 17.  Logan Young and Galloway led the Panthers in rebounds with 8 apiece, while Young was able to snatch an impressive 6 offensive boards.

 

The loss brings the Panthers record to 3-2 and will host a tough Marshall team on Thursday evening.