By Alex Gillenwalters, Sports Editor
In an exciting match against Cleveland Cougars on Nov. 2, 2024, the Pellissippi Panthers kept a confident lead over Cleveland to secure the team a 71-62 win.
The game started off relaxed and competitive, but quickly turned into a heated match between the two schools. The first Panthers three point shot was made by Tony McDaniels (#3), a sophomore point guard. McDaniels was one of two people on the Panthers to score 20 or more points, ending the game with 22 points against the Cougars.
The Panthers first points were scored by Tavion Pride (#0), a sophomore point guard/small forward. Pride continued to have an exhilarating game, ending the game with an outstanding 20 points.
In the first half the Panthers were down by five to the Cougars, with a halftime score of 31-36. It was a tough first half for the Panthers as they struggled to keep up with the Cougars explosive start of the game; Head Coach Darrian Jones kept the team together and got them to the second half saying, “We need to play up,” when asked about how this game would go.
Immediately into the second half, the energy felt elevated in the gymnasium. The crowd was louder, the players were more aggressive, and everyone was waiting for the next incredible play.
Matthew Sharpe (#9) made an incredible run with a back to back play, from a deep three into a well executed layup passing by his defender. Only a few minutes later, the Panthers were starting to gain incredible momentum, with McDaniels and Pride leading the team to sweep the competition.
Shaping this game for the rest of the match, the tide turned from an even game into the Panthers on a 17-0 run. The Panthers kept their lead on the Cougars to finish the game out, leading their team to their second win of the season.
