ladies game recaps

2.9.21 HUGHES GARNERS DOUBLE/DOUBLE , FLYERS TOO STRONG

The lady panthers fell behind early in the contest, but put on a furious rally to make it close in the end. It was another battle with a Midwest Athletic Conference foe. The flyers are on of the top teams in the league and they came out showing that in the initial period. Starting the contest with a 6-0 run and nearly doubling up Parkway as the first period ended. It didn't get any easier for the panthers as the lady flyers continued their dominance as they started the second period with a 9-0 run. It was quickly a flyer advantage at the half of 26-12. Although the panthers were playing decent defense, they were still doubled up in the scoring column at the half. It was a much better third period for Parkway as they kept pace with the lady flyers. With just a period left, Parkway needed an offensive surge if they wanted to get a win. The hosts showed some aggression and had a 5-0 run and four consecutive free throws from Allison Hughes to cut the flyer deficit, but they still fell by a 45-35 score. Allison Hughes led the panthers with a double/double, she had 15 points and 17 rebounds. While Gabby Stober chipped in with 11 points. Parkway falls to 9-12 on the season with the loss.

2.9.21 WILLIAMSON & STOBER FUEL WIN, RECORD SET

What a show of resiliance an heart put on by the lady panthers on Tuesday evening against the visiting bearcats. Going by records, Spencerville would have been the better team, but not on this night. Freshman Paige Williamson set the tone early in the first period with back to back bombs from beyond the arc. After trading the lead several times, the panthers went on a 10-0 run to finish the quarter with a 21-15 lead. Parkway then started the second with a 6-0 run and were able to build their lead to 10 points. But with a 7-0 run of their own, Spencerville bounced back and were able to pull within just 2 of the panthers at the break. With a 32-30 advantage, the hosts needed to come out and assert themselves once again. Just as she started the game, Williamson was firing away and connected once again with back to back trey. Then Gabby Stober added 2 more to complete a panther 8-0 run. Heading into the fourth period, it was a 9 point lead for Parkway and they were in total control. The panthers built their lead to 38-51, but then the lady bearcats offense exploded. I don't know what their coach said to them, but it worked. Spencerville Jumped all over Parkway midway through the fourth quarter. They used a 9-0 run and with a smothering defense were able to make it a 52-52 game. The lady panthers did have a chance to win in overtime with two free throw attempts at the buzzer. But the pressure was just to much and the shots were missed. To overtime we went. Stober started the fourth period with the first two buckets and the panthers never looked back. Midway through the overtime period, Williamson let another bomb fly and it was nothing but net. With that shot, she put her name in the Parkway record books with 7 treys in a single game. Not too shabby for a Freshman! I think she broke the record that Gabby Stober set as a freshman, but I am not certain. Speaking of Gabby, what a leader this young lady is. She took control in the overtime with two buckets early and closed out the panther win with 4 clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the deal. Both Stober and Williamson each had 23 points in the victory.

2.6.21 PARKWAY FALLS FLAT IN FOURTH

It was noon tip-off on Saturday for the panthers at Van Wert. Parkway came out of the gates on fire and looked really good in the process. They jumped out in front of the cougars for an 11-8 lead after one quarter. It got real sloppy in the second period, by both squads. With minimal offense we headed to the halftime break with Parkway holding a seven point advantage. Then the bottom fell out for Parkway. They scored the first bucket in the third quarter, but only managed a single free throw late in the period. The cougar defense contributed to the panthers woes, but also poor shot choices played a big part. Van Wert went on a 7-0 run and flipped the script on Parkway as they finished the period with a 28-22 advantage. The misery continued for Parkway as they struggled to get the ball inside. That coupled with a relentless cougar defensive pressure held the visiting panthers to just 7 markers in the final stanza. Van Wert then doubled up the panthers in the offensive column to get the 42-29 victory. The loss dropped Parkway to 8-11 on the season. That tough cougar defense kept Parkway in check and there were no players that scored in double figures.

2.4.21 PANTHERS SKID CONTINUES, FALLS TO CAVALIERS

It was the host panthers who came out with the momentum behind them in the first quarter. Their defense had the lady cavaliers at bay and the shots were falling for Parkway. After a fast paced first period, they headed to the second quarter with a 15-9 advantage. But then the momentum took a huge turn in Coldwater's favor. The cav's defense clamped down on the panthers with every drive to the lane. The lady cavaliers all but closed the lane down and that forced Parkway to live from the outside. With the second quarter dominance from the visitors, the panthers fell behind 21-19 at the half. This looked to be a tight contest on paper and that was coming to fruition as they played the game. Parkway had spurts in the third period when they would shorten that gap, but Coldwater extended their advantage by out scoring the panthers 17-11 in the period. Throughout the final stanza, the lady cavaliers were able to keep Parkway at bay, while forcing the panthers into puting them at the charity stripe. Speaking of the charity stripe, that was a big key to the panthers loss. Coldwater shot an astounding 82% from that 15 foot line. They were 14/17 for the night, although the lady panthers didn't get nearly that many attempts, although they should have. Leading the charge for Parkway was Gabby Stober with 16 markers and Kelsey Nichols chipped in 10. The ladies fall to 8-10 with their three game skid.

1.30.21 LADY JAYS KEEP PANTHERS AT ARMS LENGTH

Everyone knows that when you play the St. Johns blue jays, they live or die from beyond the arc. Well this wasn't a typical blue jay contest. The lady panthers actually shot better from the field and from beyond the arc. So just how did the blue jays pull off the victory? They got the job done from the charity stripe, they made an astounding 81 percent. That's a good percentage, especially when they had 27 attempts. They scored nearly half of their point total from the free throw line. It was a back and forth battle in the first half of the game. They traded the lead several times and the panthers were on top at the half by a score of 24-23. The visiting panthers came out of the half and added to that lead, but their advantage was short lived. The blue jays chipped away and tied the game. After trading the lead several times, the lady 'jays hit a triple at the buzzer to go up 38-35 heading into the final quarter. The panthers hosts didn't look back from that point in the contest. They kept Parkway at arms length, just letting them get as close as 4 points in the final stanza. Parkway continued to battle, but the blue jays continued to be stellar from the charity stripe to close out the game. Parkway drops the second consecutive M.A.C. game by a score of 55-48 and they fall to 8-9 on the season. The duo of Gabby Stober and Emiree Knittle led the panthers with 19 and 10 points in the Parkway effort. Allison Hughes continued her dominance in the paint with 16 rebounds against the Delphos squad.

1.28.21 RANGERS SHUT DOWN PANTHERS IN 2ND HALF

It was truly a tale of two halves in the panthers M.A.C. battle with the lady rangers. Once again the visitors were up against a highly ranked squad. New Knoxville came into the contest holding a #11 ranking in this weeks poll. But per usual, the ladies of Parkway didn't shy away from a battle. It was tough sledding in the paint in the first half, but not just for Parkway. The panthers were playing just as good as their hosts. Although the rangers held the lead for most of the first two quarters, it was a tie ballgame at the half. A Gabby Stober triple at the buzzer tied the score at 21 all as the teams went to the locker room. Both squads struggled to penetrate the lane in the early going, but the lady panthers had trouble keeping the rangers out in the third period. Couple that with the Parkway inability to turn the ball over, quickly resulted in a New Knoxville 9 point advantage with just one stanza left. The defensive pressure that the rangers put on Parkway, only netted the panthers 4 markers in the quarter. The lady panthers weren't out of it yet, but it would have to take a stingy defense and attack the bucket to give themselves any chance of a win. Unfortunately it was the rangers who clamped that defense even tighter on the panthers. Cutting Parkway's offensive output in half, which was a measly 2 points. The rangers completely dominated Parkway in the the second half of the game. Parkway turned the ball over a total of 14 times, with half of those getting their pockets picked. Even though New Knoxville won by 17 points, by no means did they have a good game either. Parkway defense was somewhat effective, just not consistent. New Knoxville only shot 37% from the field themselves. Typically that won't win you many games, so the panthers did effect the play of their hosts to some extent. With that being said, it was pretty awesome to see Parkway trade punches with a really good team and keep pace. I see improvements every game and they are getting closer to that goal. Ally Hughes garnered 9 points and 11 rebounds while Gabby Stober tallied 8 points and 5 rebounds. Paige Williamson contributed 5 points an 3 rebounds. The ladies even their record at 8-8 on the season.

1.23.21 HUGHES CONTINUES BEAST MODE WITH DOUBLE/DOUBLE

A visit from the Perry lady commodores is just what the panthers needed, a break from the daunting league schedule. It didn't take long for the home team to assert their dominance, although it wasn't very hospitable, lol. The black & gold jumped out to a 11-0 run and never looked back. They used a pressure defense and had the lady commodores heads spinning. With that strong defense and Perry's own poor shooting, the visitors only had two buckets in the first period. Holding a 21-4 advantage after just one quarter, the panthers were firmly in control. But that also can breed complacency and loss of focus. That's just what transpired in the second period for Parkway. They got complacent and sloppy, barely scoring in double figures in the stanza. But they still went into the locker room with a large lead at the half. With a 31-9 lead after 2 quarters, Parkway came out in the third with a bit more ferocity. They continued to give Perry fits on the defensive end while flexing their muscles on the offensive side of the ball. Leading the charge in the paint was Allison Hughes, as per normal, she was a beast in the paint. But in this game she was able to power to the hoop and fight through the people hanging on her. With an effort like that, she finished the game with a double/double and didn't even play the entire contest. Parkway matched their offensive output from the first quarter and cruised to a 60-24 victory. Hughes ended her night with 18 points and 17 rebounds while Gabby Stober continued her marksmanship with 13 markers. Emiree Knittle, Kelsey Nichols and Paige Wiliamson were just a couple points from also hitting double figures.

1.21.21 OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES CONTINUE FOR PANTHERS

It was the second game that the panthers have found themselves in an offensive funk, making just 22% of their shots tonight. The ball is just not falling their way and the girls are pressing to make it happen. All teams/players go through a stretch during the season that it happens. You just have to continue to work hard and get through it. The contest started with the cardinals jumping out to a 9-0 lead. Finally the panthers got on the board with an Emiree Knittle three pointer midway through the period. But that would be all that Parkway could muster in the initial quarter. New Bremen held a commanding 15-3 advantage. Parkway did much better in the second quarter and kept pace with the visiting cardinals. That effort sent them into the locker room down 27-13 at the half. Parkway responded with fire and fury in the third stanza, the defense smothered New Bremen and held them to o9nly 4 markers. While the panther offense started to get on track and they cut the cardinals advantage to just 9 points. The lady panthers momentum carried into the final period as they chipped away at the New Bremen lead. Midway through the quarter, the black & gold were only down two points and had all the momentum. That triggered a time out from the stunned cardinal bench. Now we had a ball game as the panther faithful cheered the ladies on. But with that time out, the bottom fell out for the panthers as New Bremen stormed back in front. With the game still in reach late, Parkway saw it slowly slip away as they were forced to foul and put the lady cards at the line. The charity stripe is where the cards sealed their victory, handing Parkway the conference loss. Parkway falls to 7-7 on the season and will host Lima Perry on Saturday afternoon.

1.19.21 BLACK & GOLD GO COLD FROM BEYOND THE ARC

The lady panthers really wanted a victory in this game for so many different reasons. It was probably a game that they should have won, but it wasn't their night. Both squads came into the contest pretty evenly matched. But Parkway has been playing really efficient basketball as of late and they had the home court advantage. The black & gold started off the game with a 6-0 run and quickly the lancers called a time out. Lincolnview settled down and flipped the script on Parkway. Back and forth they went, the lead changing until the lady lancers took the lead at the end of the first period. It continued to be a tight game in the second quarter and they went into the half all knotted at 24 points each. The game had been pretty rough up to this point as the zebra's "let them play". It got to be ridiculous as the game went on. Now I'm not going to say they favored either team, just the fact that it was getting really rough in the paint. For example. it is hard to explain that parkway outrebounded lincolnview 40-15, but had very few second chance shots for points. But when the tallest player on the floor has 2 people hanging on her................but I'm not crying, lol. Anyway, the hosts just couldn't buy a bucket in the fourth quarter. Both teams didn't make it past single digits in the scoring column, but the visitors nearly doubled up Parkway. That was the difference in the 45-38 loss for Parkway. Parkway has been a solid three point shooting team all season, but not tonight. If there was one main contributor to the loss, it was the 1 for 19 shooting from beyond the arc. That is just 5% success rate on the evening. Gabby Stober led the panthers with 20 points and Allison Hughes ripped down 13 rebounds in a losing effort. Parkway moves to 7-6 on the season and will host New Bremen on Thursday for senior night.

1.16.21 STOBER, HUGHES LEAD BLACK & GOLD IN WIN

The lady panthers headed south for a Saturday afternoon show down with the lady cavaliers of Lehman Catholic. Behind the massive 26 point output from Gabby Stober and Allison Hughes's double/double, Parkway rolled to their second consecutive win. Both squads traded buckets until the panthers pulled ahead and led 15-8 after just one period. But their hosts found their groove and kept pace with Parkway in the second stanza. It was a 26-19 lead for Parkway at the half to keep the cavaliers at arms length. If there were any adjustments made at the half, it didn't show on the court in the third quarter. Once again the girls of Lehman kept pace with Parkway and going into the final period, the panthers led the cavaliers by a score of 37-32. Lehman Catholic did just enough to keep the game close. Just as the lady panthers did in their previous game, they kicked it up a notch in the final stanza. Taking complete control of the contest with an 11-0 run to start the period. Lehman scored on their next two possessions, a pair of from the charity stripe and a floater from 13 feet. That would be all that the panther defense would allow. Parkway continued the offensive show to finish off their hosts, with a 5-0 run to seal the victory. As I mentioned earlier, Miss Stober was on fire and had 26 points, 10 over her average. Allison Hughes continues to dominate in the paint, tonight she had another double/double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. The ladies are now 2 games over .500 at 7-5 and will battle Lincolnview on Tuesday evening.

1.9.21 LADIES EXPLODE IN 4TH FOR THE WIN

The ladies were looking to get back in the win column with a trip north to Antwerp. But it was a battle in the first half of the contest. The panthers led by a single point after one quarter and their hosts took the lead into the half. Parkway found themselves down 23-22 as they went to the third quarter. After some halftime adjustments, the visitors took control midway through the third stanza. Defense was a key to the panther success, keeping pressure on the lady archers and holding them to single digit scoring in the period. With the momentum and the lead in their favor, the black & gold took their intensity up a notch in the final stanza. Talk about a team effort, Parkway bombarded the archers from all angles.
It didn't matter who got the "rock" for Parkway, they didn't miss many of their shots put up in the final quarter. We often use the words team effort and that is pretty much self explanatory. But the fourth quarter of this game is an exemplary example of that phrase. It was raining treys from all over, Claire, Kelsey, Paige, Emiree and Gabby all had at least one from beyond the arc. That left just Alli without a trey, but she toed the line and was "money" each time. Now that's truly sharing the "rock" and it is so fun to watch these girls. With the offensive explosion, Parkway went on to a 63-44 victory over the lady archers.

1.7.21 MINSTER "MACHINE" DROPS PANTHERS TO .500

It isn't a big surprise that the wildcats were going to employ the press, that's what they do, pressure you all the way down the court. But just how well you can handle it will decide the result the game. Parkway jumped out of the gates and handled that press in the early stages of the first period. Matter of fact, the panthers opened the game with an 8-0 run against the # 3 team in division four. Then the wildcats woke up and came at the panthers will their full force. After one period, the hosts were in the lead by a 22-17 count. Parkway played well in the first stanza. Now could they keep the game within reach as we headed to the second quarter. The answer was provided quickly, Minster wasted no time in creating panther turnovers and converting them into points. The wild cats closed the door and locked out the lane. Parkway couldn't penetrate for an inside shot and there weren't many good looks from the outside either. It was the same result for the wildcats in the third quarter also. They flexed their muscles and flat out shut Parkway down. The panthers were only able to muster 5 points in the second period and just 3 in the third quarter. The Minster defense lighted up a bit in the final quarter as they shuffled new players in and out. Parkway actually outscored them in the fourth period, 16-11. The key to Minsters game is depth, stifling defense and turning your turnovers into easy points. Parkway didn't actually shoot badly in the game. They were at 41% from the field, most games that would get you a win. But when you can only get up 34 shots, it's difficult to get the victory. Paige Williamson led the panther charge with 16 markers while Gabby Stober chipped in with 12 points. Although she continued to get mugged all night, this is becoming a pattern, Allison Hughes pulled down another 12 rebounds. The ladies even their record at 5-5 with the loss.

1.4.21 TROJAN DEFENSE SLOWS PANTHER ATTACK

It was a rough night for the lady panthers. But you will have those games when it is eight against five. Botkins opened the game with a 10-0 run before Parkway knew what hit them. Parkway finally got on the board with an Emiree Knittle bucket from mid range. The lady trojans pressed the panthers from the start of the game till the end. It was an effective strategy, that worked in their favor. Although there were plenty of questionable non- calls, the trojan pressure had Parkway reeling. After the initial period of play, the hosts held a 15-7 lead. It didn't get any easier in the second quarter. The panthers could only muster 5 points, although they did slow the lady trojans down a bit. Holding Botkins to just 10 points. We headed to the halftime break with Parkway in a hole. Botkins led by 13 and clearly had the momentum swinging there way. The panthers spent a long time in the locker room at the half and made it out just in time. It was time well spent and the panthers had their most productive period of the game. Unfortunately so did their hosts. The lady panthers were able to mount a bit of a comeback. They chipped away at the trojan lead and were looking like the team we are used to. Parkway scored 22 markers in the third quarter and cut 4 points of of their deficit. With one period left, it was now a 43-34 score and just a single digit advantage for Botkins. As the fourth quarter got under way, it was looking as if it would be a repeat of that first period. Needless to say it was for Parkway. It was a poor showing from both teams and the lady panthers were blanked in the scoring column. Although they did a good job of holding Botkins to just 5 points. Parkway didn't score a single point in the final stanza. The panthers fell by a score of 48-34 to the lady trojans. Gabby Stober had 10 points, while Paige Williamson chipped in 9 markers. Although somebody should file a police report for the mugging that Allison Hughes took tonight. She still managed to be a force on the boards and pulled down 9 rebounds.

12.21.20 LADY PANTHERS SHOW MOXIE AGAINST BULLDOGS

Both the lady 'dogs and the panthers played a sloppy first quarter to start the game. Parkway jumped out quick and kept Celina off the scoreboard until late in the period. The panthers hosts settled in a bit and kept pace with the panthers in the second quarter. It was a defensive battle from the start, with Parkway getting the upper hand in the first half. At the halftime break, Parkway had solid control of the contest with a 21-11 advantage. Parkway came out in the third period and were looking to extend their lead over the bulldogs. The period started that way, but then Celina started attacking the bucket. Within minutes the panthers were in trouble. Allison Hughes was a big part of the defensive effort in the paint, but she got into foul trouble early in the period. That forced Parkway into a smaller lineup and Celina took advantage of it. Heading into the final stanza, it was just a 29-25 lead and the lady "dogs had the momentum. By midway through, the bulldogs had tied the game and were looking to pull ahead. The panthers didn't panic though, they dug deep and played with poise. Hughes re entered the game and the visitors were at full strength. The youthful panthers showed their moxie in the final minutes of the game. Still aggressive on defense, but protecting the "rock" and showing that they know how to finish a game. Gabby Stober was all over the court for the lady panthers and her stat line shows it. She had 4 steals, 3 blocked shots, 2 rebounds and then led all scorers with 16 points. Parkway improves to 4-3 on the season with the victory.

12.17.20 INDIANS SQUEAK OUT A WIN LATE

Although the lady panthers took a loss on the evening, it was still a good game to be a fan. With Ft. Recovery in town for a league contest, the panthers would have to be on their game if they wanted a shot at the victory. Well, they were ready for the Indians. Teams are starting to take notice that the black & gold are a formidable opponent. Neither squad was lighting any fires in the first quarter and at the buzzer it was a 9-9 tie. It was evident by this point that defense would play a big part in the outcome. Both teams had a "big" in the middle and it was a fun battle to watch as the game progressed. As we went to the half, the Indians held just a two point advantage. In the third stanza, the pace picked up just a bit and both the Indians and panthers had their most productive quarter in the game. Up to this point, the largest margin by either team was just 3 points. Headed into the final quarter the hosts were down 36-34 and that victory over a top conference team was in sight. It was a two point game until the clock fell under 3 minutes. That's when the experience of a winning program came to light. The lady Indians pushed ahead to secure a 48-41 win over their hosts. But unlike contest in the past, the efforts from the panther ladies left this fan with a smile. The woman beside me,(whose daughter was a key player for the Fort) said she had not seen a complete player like "that Stober girl" in quite some time. She went on to say that Parkway is on track to be one of the top teams in the league, in her opinion. Well she wasn't telling me anything, I have been singing their praises for a bit now. They didn't win, that sucks. But people know who they are, what type of team they are and that they better be ready when the panthers roll into town. Gabby Stober led the panthers efforts with14 points while her running mate Emiree Knittle was just shy of double figures with 9 markers. Oh, and that "big" that I spoke of earlier, she was a force to be reckoned with once again. She impresses me more and more each game, tonight she was within a hair of a double/double again with 9 points and 9 rebounds. I think the only thing that will amaze me more than her play right now, is when she rocks the rim with a slam! Yes I said it, yes I am delusional...................remember you heard it from me first.

12.15.20 LADIES CAGE THE TIGERS IN BIG FASHION

It was fast pace action from the lady panthers in the opening period against the visiting Tigers. After the initial possessions by both teams, Parkway picked up the pace and went on an 8-0 run. Waynesfield-Goshen answered with a free throw. Sophomores Gabby Stober and Emiree Knittle hit back to back treys and the black & gold were rolling. It took the hosts just one stanza to jump out to a 19-7 advantage. The panther defense was phenomenal in the second quarter, holding the lady tigers to a mere six points. While they had their most productive period of the contest. Parkway had runs of six, eight and seven that pushed the score to 44-13 at the halftime break. The hosts went a bit flat in the third stanza and the tigers were able to keep pace with them. It was sloppy play from both teams and heading into the final period, Parkway held a 57-26 advantage. Stober led all scorers as she pumped in 22 points and Paige Williamson chipped in with 11 markers. It was the return from illness for Caire Langenkamp and she shook some rust off while nearly hitting double figures with 9 points. As we have become accustomed to seeing, Ally Hughes was dominant in the paint and hit double figures in the rebound column with 12. It was time for the bench to clear and one by one the starters were replaced with the ladies on the bench. They played the entire fourth quarter and did pretty well. They added 10 points to that third period score and finished the game with a score of 67-32 for the victory. There are 10 girls on the varsity squad for Parkway, all but one scored in the game. Parkway moves to 3-2 with the win and will host the lady Indians of Ft. Recovery on Thursday evening in a league contest.

12.11.20 LEAGUE VICTORY SLIPS FROM PANTHERS CLAWS

The lady panthers fell behind early to the host lady tigers, Versailles went on a 12-0 run midway through the period to build there lead. Parkway was playing catch up for most of the contest. They were down 18-10 after the first quarter. But the black & gold defense kicked into gear in the second period, holding Versailles to just 8 points. Parkway went into the halftime break only down 26-20. The panthers would close that gap in the third stanza. Although Paige Williamson was a little off with her shot in the first half, she was right on target with two bombs from beyond the arc. Gabby Stober added another bomb and with pinpoint accuracy from the charity stripe, Parkway headed to the final period holding a 34-33 lead. Senior leader Kelsey Nichols got the fourth quarter started with a trey and tight defense from the lady panthers would put them in front 41-45 midway through the period. But the tigers would tie it at 41 each and from there they traded buckets. This was going to go down to the wire, it did in questionable fashion. With seconds left on the clock, the panther defense shut the door on Versailles. The panthers lead by a point and just have to inbound the ball under the tigers bucket. The inbound pass was thrown in and was intercepted and tossed up and the ball went in. When it was all done and said, it was a tough loss for the panthers. But I will be the first to tell you that they will bounce back and be ready to go. Stober led the panthers with 19 markers and 4 big blocked shots. Freshman Williams chipped in 9 points, Emiree Knittle had 8 caroms. Allison Hughes should get an award for all the times she gets hacked, hung on and shoved around. But she still managed to pull down 12 rebounds and 5 points. She does this all with a shrug of the shoulders and a smile. I tell ya, this girls are fun to watch!

12.7.20 STOBER EXPLODES FOR 32 IN PANTHER VICTORY

The lady panthers hit the road for their second consecutive game and brought home the victory. Super Sophomore Gabby Stober led the way for Parkway with a monster night as she exploded for 32 points against the Blackhawks. But all the lady panthers contributed in this win. The visitors employed a smothering defense that gave their hosts fits all game long. If you watch football, you have heard of the nickel defensive scheme. That incorporates 5 defensive backs. Coach Williamson has a Nichols defense, that one is led by senior Kelsey Nichols. She is a master defender, she hounds the opponent like stink on poo. That translates to some pretty tight defensive pressure. With her leading the way, the Parkway defense had 12 steals and forced the Blackhawks into turning the ball over throughout the game. The panthers built a ten point lead with a 24-14 score as the buzzer sounded after the first quarter of play. The panthers kept their foot on the gas in the second period with much of the same play as in the initial period. Holding a 41-24 lead, the panthers were in total control as they headed to the locker room. During the halftime break, the Blackhawks made adjustments and were able to keep pace with Parkway in both of the final two quarters. The score was at 10-9 the last time that Miss. Valley had the lead, it was all Parkway after that point. As I mentioned it was a team effort, there were 3 panthers in double figures and another just 2 points shy. Stober had 32 points and 8 rebounds, just shy of a double/double. Emiree Knittle also was in double figures with 15 points and 2 rebounds. In the paint, Allison Hughes took a beating all night. But she was a beast underneath. She garnered a double/double while getting hacked all game. She scored 13 points and pilled down 12 rebounds. Freshman guard Paige Williamson nearly scored double figures, falling just shy with 8 points. These ladies are making strides and fun to watch play the game. The panthers improve their record to 2-1 on the young season. The ladies look to get another M.A.C. win as they head south to Versailles on Thursday.

12.3.20 PANTHERS GET VICTORY IN M.A.C. CONTEST

What a battle it was in St. Henry on Thursday evening. The lady panthers hit the road to start the M.A.C. play in just the second contest of the season. When the final whistle sounded, Parkway had evened their record at 1-1 and headed home with a league victory and their belt. After a slow start in the first game of the season, the ladies in black & gold came out firing away. St. Henry started the contest with a 5-0 run, but that didn’t phase Parkway at all. The panthers settled in and put up 9 unanswered points to take the lead. After one period, Parkway held a 10-8 lead. In the second quarter, the momentum was all in the hosts favor. Parkway got in foul trouble early in the quarter and their offense went dry. That was partly due to the tight defense from the lady redskins. That defense held the panthers to just 2 points in the period. At the half the redskins had taken back the lead at 16-12. Parkway came out of the break refreshed and poised to regain the lead. With a 6-0 run they retook the lead on the offensive side and employed a smothering defense that wreaked havoc with the redskins. With the momentum back on the side of the visitors, they just needed to finish. That has been an issue for panther teams in the past. It wouldn’t be an issue in this contest. Both squads were cold in the early stages of the final stanza, but it became a battle to the buzzer. Allison Hughes was a monster in the paint in the latter stages. The smothering defense coupled with sharp shooting from Gabrielle Stober was the finish that Parkway needed. Stober was camped out just beyond the arc and she let it fly………..boom. As the ball goes through the cylinder, the panthers regain the lead. She was spot on, not just once, but twice with under a minute left in the game. The lady panthers used that stiff defense to keep the redskins at arms length for the victory. That’s how you finish, it was a total team effort. Stober led all scorers with 13 points and 5 rebounds while Hughes pulled down 11 rebounds and chipped in 6 markers. The ladies move to 1-1 overall and 1-0 in league play and will head to Miss. Valley on Monday.

12.1.20 LADY PANTHERS NEARLY PULL OFF THE COMEBACK WIN

Lady panthers start to the season saw the visiting lady knights jump out to a 15-2 advantage after just one period of play. But in the second quarter, the youthful panthers started to put it together. With a solid defense and the offense picking up, they were able to keep pace with Crestview. At the halftime break, the home team was down by a 25-12 count. Parkway came out of the halftime and looked like a different team. They bumped the defense up a notch and the shots were falling for them. The hosts cut that lead by more than half in the third period. With just one quarter to go, we had a ballgame and the lady panthers were looking good. With a 36-29 score, Parkway kept the defensive pressure on the knights and chipped away at the lead. They were able to get it within three points, but that's as close as they would get. Give the knights credit, they hit some key shots in the late going to hold the panthers at bay. As I mentioned early on, Parkway is a youthful squad. Parkway started two seniors and three sophomores in the contest. With two freshmen and a senior coming off the bench. This is the core of the varsity squad. They don't have much playing time together and it showed in that first period. In her first varsity game, Paige Williamson led the panthers with 13 points, Gabby Stober followed with 11 and Emiree Knittle was the third panther in double figures with 10 markers.But just for that one quarter, then they started to gel. I have to say I wasn't sure coming into the season, I think they can make some noise and surprise a few people. But I really feel if they keep improving like what we saw the other night, they will be ok. With the paint patrolled by Allison Hughes, Emiree Knittle and Audrey Nichols the defense is stiff in the lane. Outside the arc, the panthers have sharpshooters in Gabrielle Stober and newcomer Paige Williamson. With senior leadership from the ultimate team players, Maddie Heindel, Kelsey Nichols and Claire Langenkamp.