PANORA — Panorama managed to hold onto a small lead from midway in the second quarter Tuesday to eventually pull away from Woodward-Granger in the final minute for a 55-46 West Central Conference victory.
The teams found themselves tied at 6-all after eight minutes of play thanks to a scoreless opening of the game that last nearly a full four minutes. Both offenses warmed up in the second quarter, with the Panthers (2-5, 2-4) taking a 23-18 lead into the intermission.
W-G (4-5, 2-4) closed to within 28-27 with three minutes to play in the third frame, which ended with Panorama clinging to a 38-34 advantage.
The Panthers led by nine points, at 51-42, with two minutes remaining, but four consecutive points from the Hawks tightened the contest to 51-46 with 60 seconds to play. The hosts were then able to score the final four points of the game, slipping off with the nine-point win.
The Hawks were whistled for 20 fouls and and the Panthers for 13. As a result, the hosts made 27 trips to the free throw line and the guests just seven, with Panorama finishing 16-of-27 and W-G 2-of-7 at the stripe.
Bryce Halterman had a strong all-around outing for the Panthers, finishing with game-highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds while providing five assists, making three steals and blocking one shot. Luke South had 10 points and six rebounds, Gracen Welberg nine points, nine boards, two assists and two blocks while Trey Cobb added nine points, six caroms and two steals.
Four points from Jeramy Randol and a free throw, five rebounds, three assists and two blocks from Blaine Barber also aided the winning effort.
Marcus McConahay had 17 points and seven rebounds for W-G, with Bryce Achenbach tallying eight points, five assists and four steals while Bodie Harrison chipped in seven points.
Six points, six rebounds, three asssist, two steals and a block filled out a busy stat line from Reese Jamison, with Brady Aunspach’s six points and two from Cameron Hoyt completing the Hawk scoring.
Both teams resume competition with a pair of home dates Jan. 3, with Panorama to entertain Ogden while Earlham will visit W-G.
