Varsity boys basketball played hard in a tough loss last night against the Mundy’s Mill Tigers. The Panthers lost to the Tigers on senior night, 62-61.
They now turn their attention to the region tournament beginning on February 16 at Harris County.
“We’re feeling pretty good [about going into regionals],” junior Evan Clutchey said. “Just trying to focus, play good, and shoot good.”
Seniors Erik Lundstrom, Sawyer Weston, and Caleb Gorman were recognized prior to the game.
“Our seniors have been huge,” head coach Josh Reeves said. “Caleb is our huge energy guy. He’s the ultimate teammate, and he’s just such a good kid when it comes to getting his teammates involved. Sawyer has been great. Man, when he’s full going, he’s a great player and helps us a lot. Erik Lundstrom has been invaluable as a point guard helping run our offense.”
For the majority of the game, both teams were tied. The second quarter opened with Panthers leading 20-16 with plenty of points by the Georgia Duo, juniors Tyler Griffin and Scott Moreman. Moreman wrapped up the first half with a basket just before halftime, keeping Starr’s Mill ahead 36-30.
Starr’s Mill continued leading the game into the third quarter filled with back and forth action. Each time the score would even out, the Panthers would break the tie within minutes. Despite their strong offense, defense was the weakness.
“We were really trying to focus on attacking their defense and playing solid defense,” Reeves said. “We just, unfortunately, didn’t execute that in time.”
After a consistent leading score of 59-58 for the Panthers, the Tigers scored a 3-point shot. Two free-throws by Moreman brought the Panthers back to a tie, but one last free-throw from the Tigers with only 1:40 on the clock changed the score one last time. Mundy’s Mill held their defense, and in the final minute of the game, the score settled in favor of the Tigers, 62-61.
The loss against Mundy’s Mill broke a seven-game winning streak for the Panthers.
“We really want to get ourselves prepared for the playoffs,” Reeves said. “We really want to kind of lock in on our zone and make sure that, defensively, we are strong.”
Varsity boys basketball plays Northside-Columbus in the first round of the region tournament at Harris County on February 17. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m.