Panthers control pace in win over Wildcats
Senior Nate Allison grabs a rebound. Allison was active on the boards against Whitewater, snatching 13 rebounds. The Panthers’ ability to rebound played a key role in their 46-34 win.
Following a tough 85-61 loss to cross-town rival McIntosh on Friday night, the Panthers varsity boys’ basketball team returned to Starr’s Mill on Saturday to take on another region opponent in the Whitewater Wildcats. The Panthers controlled the pace throughout the game, coasting to a 46-34 win.
Junior Jamaine Mann throws down a fastbreak dunk. The Panthers were able to score several of their points in transition. They took advantage of Wildcat turnovers, converting them into easy buckets on the other end.
“We didn’t fight [against McIntosh],” head coach Charlemagne Gibbons said. “We found some guys who were going to fight tonight.”
Junior Jamaine Mann led the team in scoring with 16 points, and senior Nate Allison and junior Daryl Rice added 12 points each.
The Panthers got off to a strong start in the first quarter, with Rice connecting on two early jumpshots to get the offense going. On defense, Starr’s Mill played great on the perimeter, preventing the Wildcats from getting the ball into the paint, forcing jumpshots on the outside. The combination of efficient offense and physical defense helped the Panthers to a 10-4 lead at the end of the quarter.
In the second quarter, Whitewater stayed within six points of Starr’s Mill, but were never able to get the lead. The frontcourt duo of Allison and Mann consistently scored points in the paint, and junior guard Zac Cerniglia and Rice forced turnovers on defense, creating easy layup opportunities on the other end. The Panthers and the Wildcats both scored 11 points in the second quarter, with Starr’s Mill holding a 21-15 lead at the half.
“We had to get the momentum going,” Rice said. “I had to take it into my hands so we could make a run.”
Junior Zac Cerniglia brings the ball up the court. On offense, Starr’s Mill fed the post, taking advantage of Whitewater’s small frontcourt. The Panthers scored consistently in the paint en route to the region victory.
Starr’s Mill started to pull away early in the third quarter, as they continued to exploit Whitewater’s lack of size in the paint. Allison and Mann were able to score easily in the post. On defense, the Panthers kept the Wildcats on the perimeter, keeping pressure on the ball the entire time Whitewater had possession. Starr’s Mill increased their lead to 12 points at the end of the quarter, the score being 35-23 going into the fourth.
In the fourth quarter, the Wildcats tried to make another run to trim the lead, but the Panthers held them off, maintaining a comfortable lead. During the final minutes, Starr’s Mill was active on defense, keeping Whitewater at bay. Allison continued to dominate in the paint, grabbing rebounds and scoring on second chance opportunities. The Wildcats’ final attempts at a comeback were futile, giving the Panthers a 46-34 victory.
“This was a game we needed to win,” Allison said. ”So we went out and gave it all we got.”
With the win, the Panthers’ record improves to 10-10 overall and 5-3 in the region, holding onto third place. Starr’s Mill hit the road again on Jan. 22, traveling to Jonesboro for a key region matchup. The Cardinals protected their home court with a 58-40 win.
The Panthers will return to Starr’s Mill to take on the Fayette County Tigers on Jan. 25. Starr’s Mill last played Fayette County on Jan. 8, falling to the Tigers 57-46. The game will start at 8:30 p.m.