The Western Panthers came away with a hard-fought 51-42 victory over Coldwater, showcasing exceptional defensive play, particularly in the first quarter, where they held Coldwater to just 2 points. The first-quarter defense was stellar, as Western led 13-2, setting the tone for the rest of the game.

Coldwater tried to rally back with a few runs throughout the game, but Western’s defense continued to hold strong, and they made key free throws down the stretch to secure the win.

Notable Performances:

• Cody Spitzer contributed 8 points, adding crucial scoring throughout the game.
• DJ VanRiper led the team with 13 points and 3 steals, playing an all-around role.
• Maverick Hammond had an impressive game, putting up 14 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.
• Justin Jones added 5 points and was a force on the boards with 8 rebounds.
• Eli Herrington and Jayden Willis each chipped in 4 points.
• Sutton Johnston finished with 2 points and 5 rebounds, playing solid defense.