by Steve Bradley
Mark Hackett scored 17 points in the season opening game for the Hoosick Falls Panther basketball team. Facing Argyle on Argyle’s court, the Panthers got off to a slow start, trailing the entire first quarter. Midway through the second quarter, the team came alive when Noah Chani hit a three-pointer, Will Bradley hit three three-pointers and Hackett hit two in a three minute span.
This burst put the Panthers ahead 39 – 23 at the half. After an evenly played third quarter, Argyle made up enough ground in the fourth quarter to put a scare back in the Panthers but ran out of time.
Along with Hackett’s fine outing, Noah Chani added 15 and Austin Pitt chipped in 12. Andrew Hoag and Will Bradley added 10 and 9 respectively. All five starters are juniors.
Argyle freshman Kobe Lufkin had 29 points, 24 of those on eight three-pointers, in the loss. Lufkin is a brother to now Hartwick College freshman starter Joey Lufkin.
Six foot four senior Levi Brewster is out with an ankle injury and will be a big help when he returns. Senior Justin Lynch, along with juniors Jake Nolan and Josh Wood round out the active roster. Conner McCart, out with a knee injury, could possibly return in time for sectional play. Ryan Perkins, also out with a knee injury, will provide support from the sidelines.
HFCS 62 – Granville 25
The Panthers won 62 – 25 in a Wednesday evening game against Granville. Mark Hackett again led the way with 19 points. Austin Pitt had 11.
The team next plays on Tuesday, December 10, away against Tamarac. Junior varsity starts at 6 pm, with the varsity tip-off at 7:30.