GUTHRIE CENTER — Lead changes and sustained runs from both teams were far from uncommon in Saturday’s WCAC contest between the Panorama and AC/GC boys. When time expired it just so happened to be the host Chargers turn to be on a surge, resulting in a 61-54 win for AC/GC.
Panorama (1-4, 1-3) held a 17-13 lead after one quarter and were in front, 21-18, when a 7-0 run put AC/GC (3-2, 2-2) into the lead. The run ran out to 19-9 before the half ended, the hosts taking a 37-30 advantage into the break.
The Panthers dominated the first six minutes of the second half, surging to a 41-37 lead with the first 11 points of the half, but AC/GC fought back, and thanks in part to seven points in the last minute of the period held a 46-41 edge entering the fourth quarter.
The guests were with a bucket on numerous occasions down the stretch and trailed only 54-52 with two minutes to play. Unfortunately for the Panther faithful, the hosts scored seven of the final nine points of the game to claim the victory.
Panorama launched a very high total of 66 shots from the floor while the hosts attempted just 37 shots, but the guests made on three more, finishing a miserly 21-of-66 while the Chargers drained 18-of-37.
A large part of the reason for the far fewer field goal attempts from AC/GC was a decided discrepancy at the foul line. The Chargers hit 20-of-29 free throws, easily offsetting a 9-of-13 performance by the visitors.
Panorama had no answer for AC/GC senior Caden Wardyn, who poured in 27 points while grabbing 14 rebounds and making three assists. Bryce Littler added 19 points and eight rebounds to help the hosts to victory.
Jacob Merschman had a career-high 22 points for Panorama, with Gracen Welberg tallying 11 points and Malachi Peasley nine. Six points from Zac Rizzutti, four from Luke South and two from Blaine Barber capped the scoring list.
South and Welberg had eight rebounds apiece, with Peasley providing six assists while Barber made three steals.
Panorama hosts Madrid Tuesday and Van Meter Friday.
