Roundup Boys Basketball

The Panthers traveled to Worden on Thursday to challenge the #2 ranked Huntley Project Red Devils. The Panther effort on Thursday was nothing less than stellar. The Red Devils present a number of problems for the Panthers but their size has to be the number one factor and it proved to be that way Thursday. The Panthers battled all night inside and out. The Panthers had a game plan and it was nice to see the mental focus of the players. The Panthers had 8 different players score in the evening for a very balanced attack but could never put together a big run of points to keep the pressure on the Red Devils. In the first quarter both teams traded baskets throughout the quarter. Huntley has been humiliating teams with their full court pressure but the Panthers were up to the task. Tanner and Ryder did a great job of attacking and creating some easy looks at the other end. Makale and Dylan were on the receiving end of their generosity. Brigem has been out with a significant thigh injury came in and provided a boost with a late 3 point shot to end the first quarter. In the second quarter the Panther shots didn't consistently fall and they trailed 21-29 at the half. The Red Devils came out hot in the third quarter and built an 18 point lead but true to form the Panthers never wavered and battled back to cut the lead to 8 in the fourth quarter. The Panthers ran out of gas and missed some key shots that would have cut into the deficit. The Panthers played hard but lost 53-42.

Scoring was as follows: Ryder Klein 1, Colton Kinn 2, Brigem Dahl 3, Jace Lemmel 4, Kaide Griffith 5, Tanner Rae 5, MaKale Kembel 10, and Dylan Sanner 12.

The season has been a difficult one for the Panthers as they have had to persevere through multiple injuries, sickness, and shooting woes. Saturday evening against the Red Lodge Rams that seemed to come altogether. The Panthers are still nursing some injuries and the flu bug but they had a breakout game on the offensive end. Shots fell for the Panthers but the movement on the offensive end created the opportunities. Ryder never scored a point but he created many scoring opportunities for his teammates by attacking the rim when it was there and making the correct pass. There was another Colton Kinn sighting. He moved so well on the offensive end, finished some scoring opportunities, and rebounded pretty well. Freshman, Jace Lemmel, provided some great defense with his rebounding and ran the floor well to score some easy buckets. The bench play was big for the Panthers as Colton, Jace, Brigem, and Michael all played great minutes especially on the defensive end. Kaide and MaKale scored 11 points combined but their effort at the top of the 2-3 zone really took the wind out of the Rams. Dylan had another solid game in the post scoring on some great opportunities, rebounding, and playing some great defense. What made the night special was the play of Tanner Rae. He has been on the comeback trail since his football injury. Tanner has lived in the gym throughout his high school years working to get better and help his teammates. His injury has created a lot of doubt in his mind and frustration this season as he has tried to get back to the form he has shown in previous years. After Saturday's game Tanner is back. He led his team to its best effort of the year and a quality victory over a very good basketball team. The Panthers prevailed 65-50.

Scoring was as follows: Michael McHenry 2, MaKale Kembel 5, Kaide Griffith 6, Jace Lemmel 6, Colton Kinn 11, Dylan Sanner 13, and Tanner Rae 22.