by Steve Bradley
In Friday evening’s annual Hoosier Holiday Girls Basketball Tournament game, freshman Kelly Pine led the way as the Panthers pulled away in the fourth quarter to take a 47 – 26 victory from Catskill.
The Panthers jumped out to an early lead to start the game, but Catskill slowly gained on but never overtook the Panthers. With a four point lead to start the fourth quarter, the Panthers’ defense shut down Catskill, holding them to one point while scoring 18 of their own.
Kelly Pine ended the game with 17 points, eight field goals and one of three from the free throw line. Carsen Williams added 10. Eight of Williams’ points came from the free throw line.
The Ravena Indians defeated Albany Academy in the first game, winning their way into Saturday evening’s championship game.
Saturday evening, the Panthers faced the Ravena Indians. Getting off to a sloppy start, the Panthers fell behind 9 – 1. It took until early in the second quarter for the Panthers to get the score even at 13. At the half, the Panthers led, 20 – 19. The Panthers held a two to six point lead through the second half until midway through the fourth quarter, when they pulled away to a more comfortable margin. The Panthers went on to win the tournament championship 49 – 39.
Kelly Pine had 14 points, and Megan Flynn dropped in 13. Rachel Pine had 10.
Kelly Pine was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Pine scored 31 points, along with numerous rebounds and defensive stops to garner the award.
Albany Academy beat Catskill to take the consolation game.
On Wednesday, January 8, the team will travel to Stillwater to face the Warriors. JV game time is 6 pm with the varsity to follow, usually about 7:30.