By Colt Allred
Special to the Herald Times
RANGELY I The lady Panthers picked up a big win against the Paonia Eagles on Friday. It’s always tough to play in Paonia, but the lady Panthers came out on top for the first time in a decade. The Eagles actually got off to a quick lead, but the Panthers were able to hang on and keep themselves in the game. It was a defensive battle on both sides and a relatively low scoring game.
After being down in the first quarter, the Panthers came back and tied the game 18-18 at the half. From there the lady Panthers were able to pick up a little bit of momentum and at the end of the third quarter and the Panthers gained a two point lead. The fourth quarter was a battle, with both teams needing the win. The Panthers ended up earning nine points from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, which would help them to their highest scoring quarter of the game. At the final buzzer, the Panthers remained on top with a 45-36 victory.
The Panthers were led offensively by senior Katelyn Brown who managed to put up 27 points on her own. Kassidee Brown and Skylar Thacker were tied at the second most points with five apiece. The Panthers were led defensively by Alanna Wiley, who was able to keep one of Paonia’s leading scorers from getting the ball. With this win the Panthers finished with a record of 10-1, tied with Meeker and Soroco for first in the league. The lady Panthers hosted the first game of districts on Wednesday, Feb. 21 after press time.
UPDATE: The Panthers won their game Wednesday and are in the running for a championship.
