Panther girls’ defense keys win

RANGELY I Not only was third place in the league standings at stake, but it was the Lady Panthers’ last regular-season home game and it was against county rival Meeker.
But with all of that on the line, Rangely beat the Lady Cowboys 56-40, in its most complete performance so far this season.
“I thought we played really well,” said Rangely coach Jimmie Mergelman. “I thought our defense was exceptional. That was the best we’ve consistently played (for four quarters). Hopefully, we’re coming together and doing things at the right time.”
Rangely will close out the regular season Friday at Plateau Valley, which is next to last in the league standings, before beginning district play. The top four teams in the league are guaranteed a home game in the first round of districts.
Saturday’s game determined the third-place finisher.
“It was a deciding factor between third and fourth in the league,” Mergelman said.
Senior Audrey Hogan led the Lady Panthers with 21 points. Victoria Phelan added nine points for Rangely, while Marie Morton and Brittany Babineaux scored eight points apiece.
The improved the Lady Panthers overall record to 11-7 overall and 5-3 in the Western Slope League.
In its other game last week, Rangely easily beat De Beque 71-31 last Friday.
After this Friday’s regular-season finale, the Lady Panthers will host a game in the first round of the district tournament Feb. 20. The winners then advance to the second round of districts, which Rangely will host.
“If we win (in the first round), then we’re guaranteed two more weeks (of games),” Mergelman said. “The second round of districts is the seeding for regionals.”