Sixth-ranked Panther girls romp past Chargers, Blue Devils

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Panorama's Kellie Prince (14) watches as Bailey Beckman blows past AC/GC's Madison Berger during their WCC tilt Dec. 9 in Panora. The sixth-rated Panthers are off to a 9-0 start.

PANORA — A 55-20 win over visiting West Central Conference foe AC/GC Friday followed a non-conference 60-28 victory against host Martensdale-St. Marys Thursday as Class 2A No. 6 Panorama improved to 7-0 overall and 4-0 in WCC play.

Friday’s win over the Chargers (2-4, 2-2) was a lopsided affair from the start, as the Panthers raced to a 20-4 lead after eight minutes, a margin that stood at 28-13 at the intermission.

Clearly the more athletic team on the floor, coach Dan Druivenga’s squad used a trapping defense to harass AC/GC ball handlers, forcing numerous steals and turnovers. Panther players were in the passing lanes more often than not, which also created havoc.

The hosts were patient on offense, with players passing up open shots to move the ball and create even better shots. Although frustrated by having many good shots fail to fall, the mixture of pushing the ball when the opportunity presented itself and of making quick passes eventually began to pay off, especially in the first few minutes after the break.

Morgan Johnk takes the ball to the basket.
Morgan Johnk takes the ball to the basket.

Everything fell apart for AC/GC in the third period, as the Panther defense constantly created turnovers and an aggressive approach led to a march to the foul line. The result was a 19-2 surge that put the score at 47-15 entering the final period, with bench players seeing plenty of playing time in the remaining minutes.

Bailey Beckman knocked down three 3-pointers en route to leading all scorers with 21 points. Panther teammate Devyn Kemble added 16 points, with Morgan Johnk providing six points. Four points from Hope Wilderman and two each from Brooke Halterman, Tasha Kirk, Faith Powell and Nicole Rolfes capped the Panorama scoring.

Morgan Meacham led AC/GC with seven points, with Mady Smith adding five points while Jadeyn Carrick tallied four points and Rachel Courtney and Josie Sargent two points apiece.

The Chargers were 2-7 at the free throw line while the Panthers knocked down 11-of-15.

Panorama's Devyn Kemble scores inside for two of her 16 points against AC/GC.
Panorama’s Devyn Kemble scores inside for two of her 16 points against AC/GC.

Panorama received little challenge from M-SM (4-3) Thursday. The Panthers  held leads of 15-6 after one frame and of 31-13 at the half, with the margin swelling to 44-21 after three quarters.

The much quicker and more athletic Panthers were repeatedly fouled in the game, creating 30 shots at the free throw line, of which 20 were converted. In contrast, the Blue Devils attempted just eight foul shots, sinking six.

Beckman had 20 points, Kemble 16 and Wilderman 10 for the visitors. Johnk added eight points, with Halterman, Powell and Rolfes providing two points apiece.

Panorama travels to Madrid Tuesday before visiting Van Meter Friday.

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