VAN METER — Class 2A ninth-ranked Panorama rallied from a six-point deficit midway through the fourth quarter to force overtime, then scored six of the first nine point in extra time to top sixth-rated Van Meter in a girls cage classic Monday.
The Panthers (15-1, 11-1) hit five 3-pointers in the win while the Bulldogs (14-2, 10-1) landed six, but it was at the foul line that the starkest difference was visible — a differential that proved fatal to the hosts.
Van Meter went to the line just five times in 36 minutes, connecting on three attempts. Meanwhile, Panorama melted the nylon with a 20-of-22 (91 percent) clip from the charity stripe. The Bulldogs were whistled for 18 fouls and the Panthers for 12 in the contest.
Sophomore guard Bailey Beckman was brilliant at the stripe for the visitors, burying 12-of-14 tries, all of them after the intermission. Teammate Morgan Johnk was 4-of-4 at the line, with Faith Powell and Devyn Kemble each hitting on both of their attempts.
Kemble was held to just six points after entering the game averaging 14.9 points per outing. Beckman (14.6) picked up the slack, scoring a game-high 20 points, with Johnk tallying 14 points and Hope Wilderman 10, six of them on 3-pointers. Six points from Powell capped the Panorama scoring.
Neither team was able to grab a substantial lead as the game swayed back-and-forth, with Panorama never quite able to catch up to their hosts but always staying within striking distance. Van Meter held leads of 14-12, of 29-23 and of 39-36 after each of the first three frames.
The hosts tried to put the guests down for good by taking a 44-38 lead three minutes into the fourth quarter, but six consecutive points from the Panthers over the following two minutes tied the game at 44-all. Van Meter led, 46-45, with a minute to play in regulation, with the game going to an extra four minutes tied at 48-all.
Panorama opened a 54-48 lead halfway through the overtime and held a 56-51 lead with one minute to play before icing the game with a final two points.
Emily Roberts sank four 3-points to score 16 points for Van Meter, with Mackenzie Roberts also scoring 16. C.J. Jones had nine points and Ellie Folkerts six, with Chelsea Bright and Bailey Junge each adding two points.
Van Meter will have a shot at revenge Friday when the teams meet in Panora. The Bulldogs host West Central Valley tonight, with the Panthers to entertain Madrid.
