It was a nailbiter Thursday night as the Panther boys basketball team played their last home league game of the season against Pen Argyl.
Both teams were slow to start, with Pen Argyl scoring first after about five minutes of play. The Green Knights scored another 2 points before Panther sophomore Aidan Zawodny put a point on the board with a foul shot. The first quarter was a low-scoring defensive battle, and Pen Argyl led 4-1 at the start of the second.
The second quarter saw a more energized Saucon team as Zawodny, Josh Snead, Jake Nichols and Cole Giloti added points for the Panthers to take a narrow lead, by the half, with Saucon ahead 16-12.
Halftime entertainment was provided by the Panther dance team and the Panther cheerleaders.
Despite Will Smith’s three-pointer and Jake Nichols’ basket, Pen Argyl caught up to the Panthers in the third quarter. Right after Pen Argyl’s three-pointer which tied the game, Cam Allen made a basket to put the Panthers back in the lead. Giloti and Snead also scored in the third quarter, which ended with Saucon ahead, 33-31.
The Panthers finally had an opportunity to increase their lead in the fourth quarter. Cam Allen showed great athleticism as he came out the winner from a battle under the net, resulting in him scoring two consecutive baskets, with five total points. Josh Snead’s successful foul shots added a larger lead for Saucon. Allen made the last point with 11 seconds left in the game. The final score was 45-39, Panthers.
When asked his thoughts on the game, Panthers Head Coach Matt Brown said it was a “heck of a battle.”
“They kept us off balance with their zone and slowed us down,” Brown said. “They controlled tempo and made it a great game. We didn’t shoot well, but the guys pulled through with some good defense down the stretch. Some good rebounding. That’s what it takes to win playoff games. You’ve got to win tough, close games.”
The Boys have one more league game. They will play Palisades away on Tuesday.
The Panthers have already qualified for leagues and district playoffs.
Said Brown, “We want to end the season with a win and try to make a run.”
Colonial League playoffs start Feb. 11 with the championship game to be held Feb. 17.
Saucon Source wishes the team the best of luck against the Pirates and in leagues and district playoffs.
