mens game recaps

1.15.21 PANTHERS WIN OVERTIME THRILLER

Senior night always has different meanings for different players, but Friday evening was extra special for the panther faithful. If you follow Parkway hoops, you know who coach McKee is. Brady has been on the bench for the last several years, hard at work charting the game.Brayton Luhginbil can be seen before the game making sure that all the players are stretching properly and getting loose and warmed up for the game. Then there is Dylan Hughes, he is the engine that makes this squad go and he is a fearless leader.In a special addition of the tip-off, Dylan tipped the ball to Brady, he proceeded to dribble down court and pass the ball to Brayton. Brayton launched a shot and it was nothing but net. With the swish of the net, the entire crowd, both teams fans cheered in jubilation. A show of real sportsmanship and that the game is more than just winning. Just as thrilling as that was, we didn't know that the contest would rival what we had just seen.Neither team had much success penetrating the paint in the first quarter and both teams were held to single-digits. It was just as tight in the second period, that left the Panthers with a four point advantage as they went into the locker room at the half up by a score of 21 -17. The host came out and quickly took the fight to the Blue Jays, that put parkway at the foul line quite often. The Panthers took advantage of that throughout the game and it would prove to be the difference in the end. With the panther defense limiting st. John's to just six points in the quarter, heading into the force quarter, it was a panther lead of 34-23. With an 11 point advantage it looked as if Parkway would just keep building that lead and finish the game. But, knowing how the Blue Jays play, they live or die by the three. With just a couple minutes left in the game, the Blue Jays got hot from beyond the arc and they chipped away at the Parkway lead. In typical St John's fashion, they hit a trey at the buzzer to tie the game at 41 all. We went to overtime and the Panthers didn't panic, they didn't push, they just took care of business. Parkway forced the Blue Jays to foul with good ball control and the Panthers made their shots from the charity stripe as they built a small lead. Parkway had a 5 point advantage as time was going off the clock and just let the jays run the court and throw up a shot. It went in, but it didn’t matter as Parkway won by a score of 53-51.Remember I said foul shots made the difference, the panthers were 14 of 21 from the charity stripe. Another stat that stood out to me was the assists, the panthers had 13, that means they are sharing the “rock” and it’s a team effort. Parkway had two players in double figures in the contest. Caden Slusher had 13 points in the game while Mr. Hughes had another monster night to lead the way. Not only did he have his second double/double in a row, he nearly had a triple double. He finished the game with 16 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists. The points off the bench are really starting to play a big role for the panthers. Freshmen Trent Rollins and Fletcher Smith each had 6 points coming off the pine. The victory is the panthers second in a row.

1.12.21 PARKWAY TOPS RIDGEMONT FOR WIN

Coming off a rough game against Minster, the Panthers rebounded nicely with a home victory. The visiting gophers came in with and a good record, but Parkway played them tough and got the victory. After a back-and-forth first quarter, the hosts led by a count of 8-12.They picked up the pace in the second period as both squads scored in double-figures. As we went into the halftime break, Parkway led by a score of 30-27. The pace slowed down in the third quarter as the defenses took control. With both teams scoring just 10 points, we went into the final quarter with the Panthers leading by just three markers. As in the second quarter, both squads got the offense rolling and this turned out to be their highest output of the game. With the Panthers keeping control of the rock late in the quarter and getting the 59-51 victory. Although Ridgemont had some decent height, a big factor for the parkway offense was outrebounding the Gophers 35 - 22, which resulted in several second chance shots. Leading the way for Parkway was Dylan Hughes with a double-double on the night, he had 24 points and 14 rebounds. He was followed by Gabe Schaaf who nearly had a double-double, he had 17 markers and nine rebounds. Caden Slusher chipped in 13 points in the Panthers winning effort. Riley samples didn't find his name in the scoring column, but he is always hard at work on the boards. In the rebound category, and he pulled down six against Ridgemont.

1.8.21 PARKWAY BATTLES TOUGH, WILDCATS TO STRONG

With only one game on tap this weekend for the panthers, it was against state ranked and league leading Minster wildcats. Minster jumped all over the panthers to start the contest, building an early 17-4 lead midway into the first period. But Parkway settled in and chipped away at that lead to find themselves only down by 6 points after one quarter. The panthers kept pace in the second period as both squads picked up the defensive pressure. We went into the half with the visiting wildcats leading 31-27. At this point in the contest it was anybody's game. But Minster took advantage of the miscues that their hosts were making. That translated into the difference in the games outcome. They were able to turn turnovers into points and that propelled them to the lead. Parkway could only match the Minster offensive effort in the final stanza. That left them on the short end of a 59-47 score that drops their record to 3-6. Dylan Hughes had another outstanding game with 29 points to lead all scorers.

1.4.21 SLUSHER TIES RECORD, PANTHERS GROUND JETS

It was a much need win for the visiting panthers in the annual border war with Adams Central. It is always an interesting evening when you cross the border. But this game had nothing to do with hoosier hysteria". It was all about the breakout game from Caden Slusher. We new it was coming, just not when. Caden just hadn't found his "groove" yet this season. But he never slowed down, never stopped playing his game. On Tuesday evening he found his "groove" and torched the jets for 26 points en route to a panther victory. After on quarter it was only a 4 point advantage for Parkway. The panthers went on a scoring spree and started the second period with an 8-0 run. Heading into the halftime break, Parkway held a commanding 13 point lead. That lead quickly increased in the third quarter as Parkway once again went on a 9-0 run to start the period. By this point in the game the visitors had a large lead and the locals were getting restless. It wasn't long before the chirping from the home stands started. Just midway into the final stanza, it got "chippy" on the court, as is usual when this game is played. After a really nice play by the panthers, there was a bit too rough of a play for my liking. That's when I was told my night was over, once again my passion for panther hoops got me tossed. I missed Slusher's final two treys that put him in the Parkway record books. He was on "fire" and sank 8 "treys" to tie Josh Fisher with the most in a single game. Dylan Hughes also had a big night, he nearly had a triple/double. He ended the game with his average of 21 points, he also had 13 rebounds and 9 assists. Freshman Fletcher Smith also had a nice game coming in off the bench, he chipped in with 8 markers. Parkway improves to 3-5 with the victory.

12.23.20 EAGLES NO MATCH FOR HIGH FLYING PANTHERS

With the covid-19 precautions this season, the J.J. Winns Holiday Tournament was canceled this year. But the panthers still took the trip to Pioneer for a matchup with the North Central eagles. The first period started with a fast pace as both squads were settling in. Then the panthers started to take control mid way through the period. The eagles couldn't keep up the pace and fell behind at the buzzer. At one point, Parkway had gone on an 8-0 run. Parkway continued to with the hot hand as they started the second period with back to back treys from Jacob Rogers & Gabe Schaaf. The visiting panthers continued to hit the mark as they pulled ahead by as many as 22 points. Although the eagles continued to battle, the Parkway defense was very stout. Going into the halftime break, the panthers had a resounding 41-24 lead. It was long into the third quarter when Coach Hughes starting rotating the bench into the game. It was refreshing to see them respond well and continue to play hard. The eagles were able to make up some ground as they eventually whittled the Parkway lead to 12 points. But that false sense of accomplishment quickly vanished with a burst of panther offense. With just one quarter left, there wasn't much doubt that Parkway was the better team as they enjoyed a 55-34 lead. The panther advantage climbed as high as 24 points in the fourth period, which saw the bench getting the biggest share of playing time. When the final buzzer sounded, it gave Parkway a much needed 68-42 victory. They improve to 2-3 on the year. Dylan Hughes continued to lead the way for the panthers with another double/double. He poured in 25 points, pulled down 13 rebounds and had 6 assists. Caden Slusher was the only other panther in double figures with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Nearly getting a double/double himself, was Riley Samples with 7 points and 8 rebounds.

12.19.20 'RIDERS OWNED THE LANE, PANTHERS DENIED ACCESS

Riley Samples does a tremendous job for the black & gold in the paint. He isn't the tallest or the thickest "big man" that trolls the middle. But he plays much bigger and will give you 110% all night long. With that being said, I tip my cap to him for battling like he did in these last two contest. I was bruised and battered after just watching him play, lol. Riley battled with Brian Bihn on Friday evening, he is is a very large young man. But against St. Mary's he found himself battling a small mountain. Parkway knew coming into the game that penetrating the lane would be nearly impossible. It was going to take all hands on deck to leave "canal town" with a victory. I can sum up this contest with just four words. Competitive, what the visiting panthers were in the first period. It would have ended in a tie except for a buzzer beating trey from the roughriders. Assertive - the St. Mary's play on both ends of the court. They limited Parkway to just 5 points and added 14 to their total. Making it a 12 point deficit for the panthers at the half. Aggressive - this described the panthers coming out of the break. They weren't hesitant and challenged the riders in the paint and were able to draw the foul. Parkway not only kept pace with the riders, they outscored them in the period. Finish - what the Parkway squad has only done once in this young season. The riders on the other hand, didn't ease up on their defensive pressure and it really stymied Parkway. St. Mary's only led by 8 points heading into the final stanza, the panthers still were not out of it. But they just fell apart as the clock ticked away. Now don't misunderstand me, I am not being negative about the team. I realize that these young men are still trying to find their groove as a team. I fully understand that this squad hasn't had much time playing together, so I am trusting the process. It will come and when it does it will be really fun to watch. Caden Slusher had 8 points for the panthers while Gabe Shaaf chipped in 7 points and 5 rebound. Senior Dylan Hughes led the panthers with 21 markers and 7 rebounds, nearly making it a double/double. Parkway falls to 1-3 on the young season.

12.18.20 HUGHES POURS IN 29, BUT PANTHERS FALL SHORT

Coming into the game the panthers were looking to get back to back league wins. It looked as if they would do it after three quarters of play. Parkway had the momentum and the lead, but they pendulum swung the Indians way at the final buzzer. It was a tie after the first period and neither squad hit double figures. The lead then changed several times until midway through the period. Ft. Recovery flexed their muscle and pulled away from the panthers at the halftime break. Down just 24-18, Parkway looked to make a few adjustments at the half. So far the game was more about the defensive battle. The Indians held a sizeable advantage in the paint. But Riley Samples was up to the task as he battled with the big boys all night. Although the Indians held the advantage in the paint, the panthers were a bit quicker on the break. Their strengths seemed to balance out as the contest progressed. Dylan Hughes had the hot hand for the visiting panthers on Friday night. The panthers defense stiffened up and held the Indians offense to single digits in the third period. Coupled with Hughes pumping in 13 points, Parkway took a 34-33 lead with just a quarter to go. The final stanza saw the lead go back and forth until just a few minutes remained on the clock. With time running out on Parkway's chances of getting a victory, they were forced to send the Indians to the charity stripe. Ft. Recovery sealed the deal from the line and secured the win. The loss drops Parkway to 1-2 on the young season. Hughes played his final game against his cousin, the forts "big man" Brian Bihn. It has been fun watching them battle each other these last few years. If you were keeping score, Dylan had the upper hand in this game. He finished with 29 points to 13 for Brian. These battles are one of the things that make high school sports special.

12.11.20 PANTHERS EVEN RECORD & GET M.A.C. VICTORY

The panthers finally got back on the hardwood and it was a favorable result for them. With the Versailles tigers in town for a league contest, the black & gold were ready for a battle. The first period was a draw as neither squad set the world on fire. It was a defensive battle from early on and was also a pretty physical game in the paint. Versailles had the size in the lane, but Riley Samples and Gabe Schaff were up to the task. They did a good job limiting the tigers success down low. After an even first quarter, Parkway took control of the game. Versailles took a 12-10 lead early in the stanza and that would be their only one for the period. Parkway lead by as many as 10 points in the second quarter and at the half it was a panther 26-18 advantage. Just as the panthers had doubled up the tigers in the second period, it was Versailles doubling up Parkway in the third. The tigers came at Parkway from all angles, it was with blocked shots and forcing their hosts into committing turnovers. Although it was a mere 2 points, the panthers headed to the fourth quarter with the lead. Parkway scored seven unanswered points as they increased that lead to 31-8. Holding the tigers to just 3 points from the charity stripe midway through the stanza. The black & gold defense made it rough on the tiggers in that final period, giving up just 7 markers. At the final buzzer, the home team was victorious in their second game of the year. They evened their record at 1-1 with a final score of 44-37 and a league win.
Dylan Hughes had a monster game for Parkway. Not only did he score 20 points, he had 6 assists, 3 blocks and a steal. Riley samples chipped in with 8 points and 4 rebounds while Gabe Schaff ripped down 9 boards on the night.

12.5.20 KNIGHTS DEFENSE KEEPS PANTHERS IN CHECK

It was a much anticipated game to start the parkway mens hoop season. But it didn't go quite like the script the panthers had written. Taking on the Crestview knights right out of the gate was a tall task for any team. They returned 5 starters that were playing pretty good ball at the end of last season. Parkway has two returning starters and several newcomers to the varsity game. It was an even game in the first period of play as we finished it with a 13 all tie. The second quarter swung in the visitors favor, they employed a stiff defense that had the panthers helpless at times. Which enabled them to nearly double up their hosts in the scoring column. We headed to halftime with the knights in the lead, 33-24. With some adjustments the panthers could be right back in this game. Neither squad was lighting the scoreboard on fire in the third stanza. The game took on a sloppy and fast pace by both teams. The panthers could only muster 5 points, while the knights put up 13 to increase that advantage. It was a 17 point deficit for the black & gold, they had just one quarter to mount a charge. Parkway showed signs of a comeback midway through the period, but that faltered as Crestview got the hot hand. Parkway falls to 0-1 and will have to put that game behind them as they work on their game.