by Steve Bradley
The 5 – 0 Panthers boy basketball team has a big week coming up with five games scheduled to be played over ten days.
Up to this point in the season, Mack Hackett leads the team in scoring, ripping the cords with a 16.6 points per game average. Hackett also leads the team in made three-pointers with 10. Austin Pitt is scoring at 12.8 ppg, and Andrew Hoag is chipping in with 10.8 ppg. Will Bradley has seven three-pointers and has hit 15 of 18 foul shots for a 83.3 percentage – ninth best in the Capital District area. Noah Chani has 17 field goals and boasts a solid defensive game. Justin Lynch has provided quality minutes and hit big shots. Josh Wood and Jake Nolan have contributed nicely. With the recent return of Levi Brewster, the team is almost back to full strength.
An interesting statistic in the Panthers’ season is that they have made 74 out of 121 free throws. Their opponents have attempted 31 free throws. This can be attributed to the Panthers constantly attacking the basket and the new hand check rules.
The Schedule
The Thursday, January 2, game against Lake George has been postponed due to possible weather conditions. The game has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 18. The JV game will start at 4 pm with the varsity to begin about 5:30 pm.
On Saturday, January 4, the Panthers will travel across the state line to face the 3 – 1 Mt. Anthony Patriots in their biannual matchup. Game time is 5 pm for JV with the varsity to follow at about 6:30.
On Tuesday, January 7, the Panthers will be in the Panther Den to face the 3 – 2 Stillwater Warriors. This will not be a walk in the park as the Warriors defeated Greenwich and took tough Hoosic Valley to the end of the game before falling five points short.
The Friday, January 10, games should be a good one. The Panthers travel over Route 67 to do battle with the 9 – 1 Hoosic Valley Indians. The Indians are the number three ranked Class C team in NYS. HV’s John Rooney is scoring 18.6 ppg, with a high game of 33 points. Rooney’s teammate Mike Pierre is scoring at 21.8 ppg, with two 30 point games. Game time is 6 pm for the JV with varsity to begin at the conclusion of the JV game.
And finally, on Saturday, January 11, the Panthers will travel to Greenwich to face the 3 – 2 Witches. This is a make up game from a weather related postponement earlier in the season. The Witches are led by 6’7″ center Justin Carruthers, who is averaging 22 points per game. JV game time is 6 pm with varsity to begin immediately after the JV game.
With all these dates to choose from, and the recent cold trapping everyone inside, attending a game or two is a perfect excuse to get out of the house. Come on out and lend your support.