In a riveting season opener clash between the Bonney Lake Panthers and the Bellarmine Prep Lions, the Panthers faced an uphill battle from the tip-off until the final buzzer sounded, ultimately falling short with a final score of 43-51 in the non-conference showdown held in Tacoma. Last year, both teams showcased their skill, with Bonney Lake securing a commendable 2nd place in the 3A PCL and a ticket to the State Tournament, while Bellarmine Prep clinched the 2nd spot in the 4A SPSL and made their own mark at the State Tournament.
The opening quarter set a daunting tone for the Panthers, finding themselves trailing 23-4 against a seemingly dominant Bellarmine squad. However, the Panthers displayed resilience, gradually closing the gap as the game progressed. Lead scorers Azy Jackson and Jazmyn Shipp emerged as pivotal figures, spearheading the offensive efforts. Despite the halftime score favoring Bellarmine at 35-20, the Panthers returned to the court with renewed vigor, determined to mount a comeback.
Throughout the game, Jackson and Shipp showcased their scoring abilities, both tallying 13 points, with Azy additionally dominating the boards with 10 rebounds. Ava Rice contributed significantly with 8 rebounds, and Azy led the team in assists with 3. As the Panthers clawed back in every subsequent quarter, the deficit from the initial period proved insurmountable. In the end, the Lions emerged victorious with a final score of 51-43.
With their first game in the books, the Panthers now turn their attention to the home opener scheduled for Wednesday the 29th at 7:00 pm. The non-conference matchup against the Enumclaw Hornets presents a fresh opportunity for Bonney Lake to regroup and showcase their resilience on familiar turf. As the Panthers look to rebound from this early setback, the home crowd eagerly anticipates an exciting showdown against the Hornets.
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