In a commanding display of skill and dominance, the Bonney Lake Panthers hosted the Stadium Tigers in a league conference clash on Tuesday night, leaving no doubt as to why they hold the coveted first-place position. The Panthers entered the game with an impressive 10-2 overall record and an unblemished 4-0 record in conference play, setting the stage for a showdown against the fifth-placed Stadium Tigers, who came in with a 6-6 overall record and a 2-3 conference record.
Fresh off wins against Mount Tahoma last week, both teams were eager to continue their success, but it was clear from the outset that the Panthers were in no mood for concessions. The starting five, featuring the seasoned talents of seniors Jazmyn Shipp, Ava Rice and Evin Elias, along with the dynamic duo of freshmen Azy Jackson and Izzy Meki, showcased their prowess on the court from the opening tip-off.
The first quarter unfolded with a deliberate pace, characterized by stout defensive efforts from both sides. Despite senior Jazmyn Shipp facing early foul trouble and exiting midway through the quarter, the Panthers maintained their composure, finishing the opening period with an 11-3 lead.
The second quarter saw senior Evin Elias stepping into the spotlight, unleashing a barrage of back-to-back three-pointers. Senior Ava Rice also made her presence felt, contributing defensively and adding six crucial points to the scoreboard. By halftime, the Panthers had surged ahead to a commanding 31-10 lead.
As the game progressed into the third quarter, the Panthers continued to stifle the Tigers with their stellar defense. Freshman Azy Jackson emerged as a defensive force, while Elias delighted the crowd with a 3-point buzzer-beater to cap off her team-leading 13 points. The Panthers entered the final quarter with a resounding 48-15 advantage.
The fourth quarter showcased the depth of the Panthers' talent, with freshman Izzy Meki shining as she poured in five points, including her third successful three-pointer. Meki led the team with an impressive 13 points, while Azy Jackson contributed 11 points to the overall offensive onslaught.
In the end, the Panthers secured a dominant 64-23 victory, solidifying their position atop the league with a flawless 5-0 record. With their eyes set on maintaining their momentum, the Panthers will face off against fourth-placed Silas in Tacoma on Thursday, January 11th, at 7:30 pm. As they continue to assert their dominance in the league, the Bonney Lake Panthers are proving to be a formidable force on the basketball court.
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