Panthers Split Pair After Long Holiday Break
The Stockbridge basketball team returned to the court after a long holiday break and split a pair of games to improve their overall record to 4-1 overall on the season.
The Panthers opened the week by blowing past Webberville 59-36.
Kegan Collins scored eight first-quarter points to help the Panthers take a 16-11 lead after one.
The Panthers went cold in the second with the Spartans outscoring them 14-8 to take a 25-24 lead at the half.
The defense locked down on Webberville in the third, allowing the Spartans to score just two points. Collins would score seven in the third and Joey Ballagh four to give the Panthers a 39-26 lead after three with a 15-2 run.
The Panthers would put the game away in the fourth with a 17-9 run to pull away for the win.
Collins had a big night with a team-high 23 points.
Ballagh added 11 points and Drew Robinson 10 points for the Panthers. Noah Lewis chipped in with four, Evan Sandecki, David Kluesner, and Jake Sawicki three each, and Jalen Rogozinski two.
A cold shooting second half doomed the Panthers in a 46-42 loss to Leslie Friday night.
An 18-4 run in the second quarter gave the Panthers a 28-16 lead at the break, but Stockbridge went cold in the second half.
Stockbridge scored just two baskets in the third quarter, but still held on to a 34-25 lead after three when someone put a lid on the basket.
Leslie went on an 11-1 run to open the fourth quarter to take a 36-35 lead.
The Panthers retook the lead with a pair of Robinson free throws with 2:20 left, but the Blackhawks answered with a triple for a 39-37 lead.
Leslie would add two more, but a driving layup by Robinson cut the lead to 41-39 with 44 seconds left.
After a pair of Blackhawk free throws, Collins nailed a triple with 25 seconds left to cut the lead to 43-42.
Leslie split a pair of free throws for a 44-42 lead and the Panthers had a chance to tie, but a drive to the rim bounced off and Leslie got the rebound and sealed the win with two free throws with eight seconds left.
Collins led the Panthers with 15 points and Robinson 12. Ballagh finished with six points, Kluesner five, and Zach Fletcher four.
The Panthers return to action Monday night at home against a strong Olivet team in a GLAC battle.
