WOODWARD — The No. 8 Panorama girls entered Tuesday’s West Central Conference contest at Woodward-Granger 17-1 and fresh off two overtime victories against top 10 foe Van Meter in two of the last three games.
If the Panthers thought unheralded W-G would prove little trouble, they were in for a surprise, as the hosts kept the game within range until the final 90 seconds before falling, 53-41.
W-G (6-13, 4-10) played pesky defense throughout and buried nine 3-pointers while Panorama (18-1, 14-1) stuggled shooting at times, a combination which kept the hosts within striking distance. Panorama had posted a 57-26 win Dec. 20 in the first meeting of the season between the two schools, but W-G had no intention of going away so easily in the rematch and were within 15-10 and 23-19 after each of the first two quarters.
The Hawks had tied the score briefly, at 19-all, but could not quite draw even again and entered the fourth quarter facing a 38-33 deficit. The Panthers, as they have all season, went about their business with a calm demeanor and slowly opened a gap thanks in part to a series of turnovers that resulted in points off the break as time began to run out on any shot at an upset.
Bailey Beckman poured in 23 points for Panorama, with Devyn Kemble adding 12 points. Beckman had two 3-pointers and Kemble one.
Eight points from Hope Wilderman, six from Faith Powell and four from Morgan Johnk capped the Panther scoring. The win guarantees no worse than a tie for the WCC title for Panorama, who can win the title outright with a win at Ogden Friday.
Mary Hanson and Riley Jamison were dialed-in from outside, with the duo sinking four treys apiece. Hanson finished with 16 points and Jamison with 14, with Kayley Dresback adding five points (one 3-pointer), Kendra Husmann four points and Riley Kirton two.
Free throws were scarce in the contest, with the guests 8-of-12 at the line while the hosts shot only twice from the stripe, sinking both.
Panorama will follow Friday’s game at Ogden with a non-conference game against visiting Chariton Monday. W-G will play at Earlham Friday before hosting AC/GC Tuesday.
