By Allen Hamrick
It was an all out push to end the season with a win for the Panther basketball team as they hosted Poca. Coming off a couple of losses, the Panthers were in much need of a win going into the regional competition that begins this Friday in an away game against Scott. The Panthers came out swinging in the first period and quickly established themselves as the ones to beat. Noah Collins was dropping threes like they were in Vegas and racked up the points in the first period. Poca, close behind, had their own high rollers in the midst and stayed neck and neck with the Panthers. At the end of the 1st period it was the Panthers up by three at 21-18. It was bucket for bucket in the 2nd as neither the Panthers or Poca could gain the upper edge and they went into the locker room at the half with the Panthers holding a slight lead at 39-36. The game was a nonstop action with some good ball playing from both sides.
The third period got rolling, and it was a Poca three point bombing run hitting six three pointers as the Panthers started slow rolling. Joel Elliott was keeping the flames fanned hitting shots from the field but it wasn’t enough to keep the lead. At the end of the 3rd it was Poca with a slight lead 54-58. In the 4th both teams look like they grew their whole beard in the first three periods as the 4th period saw a slow down at the net. When the dust settled, it was the Dots over the Panthers 71-65. The Panthers will hit the road on Friday to take on Scott in the first game of the Regional competition. The Lady Panthers ended their season against Logan with a loss. The Ladies will now get set for softball action. Good luck to the Panthers in the Regionals!
Being recognized at Thursday evening’s game was long time Head Coach of the Panthers, the legendary Coach Buck Davis. Alongside him was his wife and legend in the English classroom Connie Davis. These two classy mentors have ushered in the successful futures of many students who walked the halls of CCHS. Coach Davis racked up 417 wins in 37 years as the Panther coach and has had numerous awards as well as sectional and Regional wins. A person would have to dig deep in the human population to find two people who are as dedicated to serving the youth and their futures as these two people. They are ageless, and you will never meet anyone any finer anywhere.
