by Steve Bradley
The #6 HFCS Panther Ladies basketball team was defeated Saturday evening. Playing against #3 Johnstown (14 – 6) at the Watervliet High School gym, the Panthers gave up 24 points in the first quarter and could not overcome the deficit. The first quarter ended at 24 – 15.
Doing everything possible to make up the deficit, the Ladies outscored the Lady Bills in the second and third quarters. After three quarters, the Panthers cut the lead to five, 40 – 35. In the fourth quarter, Johnstown outscored the Panthers by three and held on for the win, 53 – 45.
Rachel Pine had 17 points; Carsen Williams added 12. Olivia Schneider had 7; Megan Flynn had 6, and Kelly Pine added 3 points.
The Ladies ended the season with a fine 12 – 7 overall, 9 – 5 league record.
Seniors Carsen Williams, a four year starter, and Olivia Schneider, along with Ashley St. Onge and Hannah Lilac participated in their last high school game. Junior Rachel Pine, sophomore Megan Flynn and freshman Kelly Pine will provide an experienced nucleus for next year’s team. Those three combined for 481 points this season. Junior Chelsea Stevens, who led the team with 21 three-pointers in a limited role, will be returning. Some excellent JV players will be moving into the mix also. The future looks bright for Lady Panthers basketball.