By Rick Griffith

Carol Ann Schaeffer

Walker Doman (10) completes the shot after penetrating the defense Saturday in a close loss for the Rams to the visiting Roundup Panthers.

The 2019-2020 Panthers got their season started on the road playing a tough Winnett Ram team. The game was a great battle from beginning to end. The Panthers got off to a slow start offensively. We had many opportunities around the rim and at the free throw line but didn't take advantage. Derrick Zimmerman got the Rams off to a hot start hitting three three point shots in the first quarter and the Rams led 13-8. In the second quarter the Panthers settled into a bit of rhythm and got the ball inside to newcomer Dylan Sanner. Dylan did a great job in the post scoring 10 of his game high 21 points in the quarter. The Panther defense picked up the pace and held the Rams to 4 points in the second quarter. AJ Gray came off the bench and had 4 rebounds in the quarter. Panthers led 24-19 at the half. Second half was copycat of the first half. Panthers had lots of opportunities and converted about 25% through the third quarter. During the last 6 minutes of the game things came together for the Panthers. Kaide hit a big three point shot to give the Panthers a late lead. The Panthers made 4 out of 6 free throws down the stretch to win, 44-40.

Scoring was as follows: Brigem Dahl 2, Michael McHenry 2, Colton Kinn 5, Makale Kembel 6, Kaide Griffith 8, and Dylan Sanner 21.