PANORA — Key free throws and stout defense combined to spark a fourth-quarter spurt that led Panorama to a 51-48 win over previously unbeaten Harlan in non-conference girls basketball Thursday.
Panorama (2-2) trailed, 43-36, entering the final eight minutes but rallied to tie the game at 48-all in the final minute, setting up a frantic ending.
Sophomore guard Payton Beckman was fouled driving to the basket and made both free throws to give the hosts a 50-48 win. Junior Ella Waddle then came up with the defensive play of the game, stealing the ball under the Cyclone basket and drawing a foul.
Waddle hit one of her two foul shots to give the hosts a three-point lead, with the Panthers tipping the ball out of bounds at mid-court with four seconds to play. Harlan (4-1) managed to fire up a last-second 3-pointer, but the hurried shot was off the mark, allowing the home team to celebrate.
Beckman led all scorers with 20 points, with Angel Poldberg adding 11 points and Waddle 10. Five points from Anna Holloway, three from Laci Rishel and two from Shey Storesund capped the scoring.
Poldberg pulled down 10 rebounds, with Beckman making eight steals and handing out three assists while Waddle had three thefts. Beckman and Waddle each sank three 3-pointers, with Holloway and Poldberg each hitting once from behind the arc.
Jocelyn Cheek had 12 points for Harlan, with Claire Schmitz adding 10. Raegen Wicks and Brecken Van Baale scored nine points apiece, with both Macie Leinen and Ashley Hall providing four points.
Panorama visits Madrid tonight, then hosts Van Meter Tuesday before visiting AC/GC Dec. 20 to wrap the first half of the season. All three are boys/girls WCAC sets beginning at 6 p.m.
