The Panthers traveled to Columbus on Tuesday evening to get their busy week started. The Panthers got off to a slow start as they missed their opening few shot attempts and Columbus jumped out to a 7-0 lead. The Panthers found their stride mid quarter as Jordan and Braedan splashed a couple of three balls. The second quarter saw the Panthers jump out early and take the lead for a short while and then the Cougars responded with a run of their own to lead 29-19 at the half. Kylen, Morgan, and Jace did a pretty good job of containing their big guys down low. The second half was a series of runs for both teams as the Panthers would cut into the lead and then the Cougars would push it back out. Braedan scored 8 of his game high 21 in the fourth to give the Panthers a chance but the Cougars made their free throws down the stretch to win 63-50.
Scoring was as follows: Braedan Bilden 21, Jace Lemmel 10, Kylen Wolff 9, Jordan Olson 8, and Dustin Gairrett 2.
The Panthers traveled to Forsyth on Thursday evening to take on the Dogies in a non-conference battle. The Dogies are guard heavy and shoot the ball fairly well but Thursday it was their hustle and work that caused the most problems for the Panthers. The to say the Panthers started slow would be an understatement and it might be better to say they didn’t really get started. With 1:48 seconds to go in the first quarter the Panthers had scored a single point. Fortunately, the Panther defense did travel and they only trailed 5-1 at the time. Forsyth led 9-4 at the end of the quarter. The Panthers missed many opportunities around the rim and from the free throw line. Morgan, Jace, and Kylen did a good job of crashing the boards for more opportunities but the makes were far and few between. The second quarter treated the Panthers a little better as their saving grace for the evening, Jordan, busted a couple of threes and seemed to be just about everywhere on the court. The Panthers led at the half 17-16. I wish I could say the shooting got better but it didn’t. The Panthers were very inconsistent from the field and the free throw line. Fortunately, the Panthers made a few more plays than the Dogies and won 41-37.
Scoring was as follows: Jordan Olson 16, Kylen Wolff 9, Jace Lemmel 8, Morgan Sanner 3, Dustin Gairrett 2, and Braedan Bilden 1.
Friday was a special night as we honored our seniors at their last home game of their careers. Evan, Morgan, Jordan, Braedan, Jace, and Kylen are this year’s seniors and they have done a great job of fighting through adversity and playing like Panthers. Friday was no exception. Senior night is a night of emotion, being thankful, and appreciating the opportunity to be a Roundup Panther. The game is usually slow starting as emotions are running high and Friday was no different as the first quarter was a bit of an offensive struggle for the Panthers and the JHawks. Jace, Braedan, and Kylen all scored for the Panthers to get them out to a 9-6 lead. The game was tight throughout as both teams struggled to consistently hit shots. The Panthers led during the second quarter but the JHawks put together a run to close the gap. Late in the quarter Jace made a steal and nice throw down dunk that brought the crowd to its feet. The Panthers lead 23-19 at the half. The second half was back and forth as all the Panthers stepped up when they needed to. Morgan had the best half of his career on the defensive end. Braedan made a game saving play as he ran down a JHawk who was going in for a sure layup and knocked the ball out of bounds. Jordan knocked down a three when we needed it most. Jace seemed to get every defensive rebound. Evan was our super sub as he gave Jordan, Braedan, and Dustin needed breaks and Kylen lead the way with consistent scoring and leadership. All of that wrapped up a senior night win for the Panthers by the score of 42-35.
Scoring was as follows: Kylen Wolff 13, Jace Lemmel 11, Braedan Bilden 6, Jordan Olson 6, Dustin Gairrett 4, and Morgan Sanner 2.
It was an extremely sweet victory for our senior boys and one that I will cherish forever. I had decided at the beginning of this season that it would be the last one for me as the head coach of the Roundup Panthers. I was honored during the senior night presentation and it was overwhelming. I can’t put into words how I felt seeing some of our graduated Panthers back in town to say good bye to their old Coach. Two decades of players and managers, friends, and mentors taking time out of their busy lives and days to come. It is a feeling of absolute gratitude and thanks to all of you for making senior night so wonderful. You made an old man feel pretty special last Friday night. I guess that’s why we are family. Thank you and love you all!!
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