By Alex Gillenwalters, Sports Editor
In an extremely close match, our Pellissippi Panthers went head-to-head with the Chattanooga Tigers, ending in a disappointing loss for the Panthers.
The game started off heated, every person in the stands on the edge of their seats waiting for the next play. The Panthers had a quick start to the game with 33 points to the Tigers’ 30 at 3 minutes left in the first half. The first half ended with Panthers still up with a score of 38-34; the crowd was ecstatic as they cheered us on.
After a 15 minute half-time, everyone was expecting another heated half, but were quickly disappointed. The rhythm and dynamic plays that were occurring in the first half seemed to fizzle out in the second half, and the Tigers ended up taking the win with a score of 72 to the Panthers’ 65.
Nevertheless, Head Coach Darrian Jones, made an impressive showcase with his playmaking. He consistently gave quick predetermined plays to his players, whilst making crucial subs-ins when needed.
The first half had a handful of amazing plays from the Panthers showing incredible commitment and determination towards scoring. In an incredible team play, the Panthers fought in the paint with two offensive rebounds and two putbacks, demonstrating their vigor on the court. Loic Mimche, #21, had an amazing putback off of a shot attempt by Kendrick Lloyd, #5, which he slammed right back down onto the opposing team. The first half was ended by an impressive last second three-point shot by Rodrigue Muntu, #4.
The second half was nowhere near as exciting as the first half, but the Panthers kept their lead on the Tigers until 12 and a half minutes were left in the game, 47-46. The score stayed close with only a deviation of three up until around five minutes were left on the clock. Quickly, the Tigers shined through with their consistent shooting and plays which scored them the win, leaving the Panthers with a win-loss record of 10-12 for the season.
