By Allen Hamrick
The Panther basketball team opened their season against Braxton this past week. Looking to start the season off right, the Panthers were going to have a rough game to get it done. Braxton County has a fast, high jumping team that will give you a game if you want it or not. The Panthers came out with all guns blazing and were hitting the hoops pretty good but also missing some good looks at the basket. The boys came out with fire in their eyes and were determined not to take a hit on the chin. The game was back and forth with neither team giving up much real estate. However, the Panthers found themselves playing catch up ball early in the game that lasted until half time. When the Panthers came out after recess, they opened up defensively and offensively and started their run for the lead. The game was counted by seconds – fast paced and plenty of
good offense and defense offered up by both teams, and the finish could have gone either way. The Panthers didn’t take long before they were knocking on the Eagles’ door, and by late in the 3rd, they tied it up and then took the lead. From that point, the game was net for net as the Panthers kept up the pace. The fourth period was fast paced with neither team gaining much of an advantage. With around three minutes left to play, the Panthers kicked in the after burners and took a six point lead that didn’t last long as the Eagles came back and tied it up and then took a one point lead with just 42 seconds left to play, and they had the ball. The Eagles charged down the court and lost control as Jacoby Nichols stole the ball and took it down and scored the nail in the coffin for the Eagles. The Panthers went on to win the game 55-52. Top shot in the game was Jamison Bodkins with 14 points followed by Micah Osborne and Trenton Gibson with 12 each. The Panthers will be at home against Webster and Gilmer on Tuesday and Friday this week. This was a strong opening game for the Panthers, and the season looks promising for the boys to do well. Get out and catch a game.
