In a scintillating display of dominance, the Bonney Lake Panthers hosted the Spanaway Lake Sentinels in a girls' basketball showdown that showcased the sheer brilliance of the Panthers. With an impressive #6 state ranking by WIAA and a flawless 7-0 record in the division, the Panthers entered the league game as the team to beat.
Fresh off a commanding victory against the Lakes Lancers, where they triumphed 49-9, the Panthers were on fire. The Sentinels, in contrast, faced an uphill battle, holding a 1-6 record in 6th place in the league. Despite a recent win against Mt. Tahoma, the Sentinels were undoubtedly the underdogs against the red-hot Panthers.
From the opening tip-off, the Panthers set the tone for the game with an aggressive first quarter. Senior standout Ava Rice ignited the court with a series of quick buckets, propelling the Panthers to a 14-6 lead by the end of the initial frame.
As the game progressed, the Panthers only intensified their onslaught. Evin Elias emerged as a sharpshooter, draining three consecutive 3-pointers in the second quarter alone. Elias's stellar performance, with a total of four 3-pointers in the game, fueled the Panthers' commanding halftime lead of 35-8.
The third quarter witnessed a collective effort from the Panthers, with multiple offensive contributors stepping up. Bolstered by an impenetrable defense, the Panthers extended their lead to an astonishing 56-10, leaving little room for a Sentinels comeback.
The fourth quarter was a testament to the Panthers' defensive prowess, as they sealed yet another impressive victory. Freshman sensation Izzy Meki led all scorers with 13 points, showcasing remarkable consistency throughout the game. Elias contributed 12 points, Azy Jackson added 10, while Ava Rice and Jazmyn Shipp both chipped in with 8 points.
With this convincing win under their belt, the Panthers now turn their attention to a challenging matchup against the 2nd place Lincoln Abes. Scheduled for Friday, January 19th, in Tacoma, the Panthers are set to prove they are the team to beat in a highly anticipated showdown. Tip-off is at 7:30 pm, promising basketball enthusiasts an electrifying clash between two formidable teams.
Comments