PANORA — Class 2A No. 3 Panorama avoided post season heartbreak at the hands of Van Meter with a 51-31 victory over the visiting Bulldogs in their Region 6 Quarterfinal.
Van Meter (13-10) scored a one-point overtime victory against the Panthers in a regional final last year and appeared determined to challenge their hosts Tuesday, trailing just 20-17 at the half.
Panorama (21-1) overcame cold shooting to tear off a 16-5 run in the third quarter and open a 36-22 lead. A decided edge at the foul line helped ensure the win, as the Panthers drained 19-of-27 at the stripe while the Bulldogs converted on three of just four attempts.
The hosts had trailed, 12-10, after the first period. The team finished just 14-of-46 from the floor, including hitting only 4-of-17 beyond the 3-point arc, but used strong rebounding and a clear edge in turnovers to secure the win.
Bailey Beckman had 16 points to lead Panorama, with Morgan Johnk adding eight points and Hope Wilderman and Devyn Kemble seven each. Faith Powell provided six points and Nicole Rolfes four, with Kellie Prince tallying three points.
Johnk had eight rebounds, five assists and three blocks, with Rolfes pulling down seven boards. Beckman aided the cause with seven caroms and six steals, giving her 200 thefts for her career.
Statistical information from Van Meter was not available.
Panorama will now host Martensdale-St. Marys (18-5) Friday after M-SM topped Pleasantville, 46-42. The teams met Dec. 7 in Panora, with the hosts posting a 60-23 win. On the other side of the bracket, Des Moines Christian (19-4) topped NW Webster, 44-39, while Earlham (16-6) edged Ogden, 52-49.
The Region 6 Final will be played Monday in Woodward. All games will begin at 7 p.m.
