MATT SCOGGINS PHOTO
RANGELY | The lady Panthers hosted the Plateau Valley Cowboys for a non-league matchup before heading into the holiday break on Friday, Dec. 20. According to head coach Jimmie Mergelman, the Panthers came out strong and did an excellent job of consistently scoring early.
Opening up the scoring early in the game was a priority goal for the firls as they have not been able to score at a consistent pace to keep up with their frustrating defense to begin games. The girls accomplished this by scoring 11 points in the first, second and third quarters and finishing with nine in the fourth quarter. The defense was keen for the Panthers as they only gave up seven points in the first quarter and two in the second quarter. The stifling defense allowed the Panthers to take a commanding 22-9 lead into halftime.
The Cowboys came out of halftime to make a push at the Panthers lead, but the girls responded with 12 points to the Cowboys 10 points. The fourth quarter was a draw in scoring between the two teams as each put nine on the scoreboard bringing the final to 42-28. Kacie Lapp did a great job leading the way with 14 points and dominating the boards both offensively and defensively. Lapp was followed closely by Mary Scoggins with 13. Scoggins is doing a great job in leading the floor from the point guard position. Hannah Wilkie added four, Shauna Lapp and Dixie Rhea added three each, followed by Zoey Peck and Adelynn Halcomb with two each.
The lady Panthers will retake the floor on Jan. 10 against the Manila Mustangs at home and then travel to Hayden for the first league match on Saturday with the Tigers.
Special to the Herald Times
