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25

Jan, 2022

DOWN THE STRETCH WE COME!

Nease continues to round off into postseason form. As the regular season enters the final week, the Lady Panthers continue to harness their resources and collect dubs along the way. Building a Championship caliber team, requires a great deal of sacrifice, pedigree, will and collaboration. Working together for the common good is half the battle. To do something well, one can ill afford to be stagnant. Standing in one place often proves to be an obstacle in the quest to be the best.

On Tuesday night, Nease was faced with the inevitable task of dethroning their namesake. Ridgeview (Black Panther mascot) came into the Den with their small collection of players to do battle with Nease (Golden Panther mascot). Although it would definitely be a frightening sight if one came face to face wth either animal, the HOME COURT advantage belongs to Nease. To put things in perspective, the Lady Panthers have clashed with Tigers, Bears and Sharks, to name a few. Each opponent fell victim to the wrath of Lady Panthers, as one by one, the visitors exited the ‘Den’ in defeat.

Nease (19-3) pounced on Ridgeview early and often. When the visitors came up for air, they were facing a 26-6 deficit after the first eight minutes ticked off the clock. After the early 8-0 run and a timeout with 4:43 left in the period, the Lady Panthers continued to ‘Do Work’. Leading 13-4, Nease connected on three consecutive treys (Fifield-2 / C. Robinson-1). Ridgeview, still looking for answers, wounded and befuddled by the Lady Panthers ferocity, watched as the deficit became eye-popping (22-6). Cami, Allie and Syd combined for 24 of the 26 points scored by Nease in the quarter.

The pace would slow down in the second period as Nease entered the quarter with a commanding 26-6 lead. Pulling out of the vintage Lady Panthers press, allowed some breathing room for the opposition. At 1:43 of the quarter, both teams had played to an 8-8 standoff. However, by intermission, Nease had tripled up Ridgeview to the tune of 38-16. Out of the half, the Lady Panthers opened with a 5-0 run and continued to put the squeeze on the visitors. The collective 12-2 run would pinch the nerves of Ridgeview Lady Panthers and any breath of new life that may have existed.

Trailing 44-28, Ridgeview resuscitated efforts to close out the quarter, would result in their only win of the evening, a (16-12) output in the third quarter. Little did they know, the Golden Panthers were no where close to being done. Reserve forward, Tika Kondabrolu knocked down two big shots behind the arc in front the home bench. Cami, Allie and Sav, each connected on treys in the period. The Lady Panthers closed out the night with a 19-12 final period and the Dub (#20) 69-44.

Nease (20-3) was led in victory by the usual trio of the (Microwave, Alley Cat and Matrix). Cami took game- high scoring honors with 24 points, 11 coming in the initial period of play. Allie put together her second big night in as many games. The senior co-captain tallied 14 points, with 7 boards and 3 dimes. Syd would have a subpar night by her standards (10 turnovers), but countered with 13 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds. Not to be outdone, senior guard Savannah Gomes (Lady Spice), contributed 8 points (2 treys), 2 dimes and 2 steals. Tika would lead the reserves with 6 points and 3 rebounds.

The Lady Panthers conclude regular season play on Friday (Senior Night) against Creekside at 7:30. Four seniors (Madison Crawford, Savannah Gomes, Sydney Gomes and Allison Fifield) will take their ceremonial bow, before embarking on unfinished business in the Den. Bringing it HOME Panther Nation. See you at center court for a memorable evening for sure. No gesture is too small when done with gratitude. Respecting the GAME itself, ALWAYS! Coach Bernie Blue