Red hot Panthers melt down versus Victor

The Alberton Panthers went into their game against Victor red hot and finished the game ice cold.

The Panthers entered their matchup against the Pirates in Alberton Saturday, Dec. 22 with a four-game win streak, but the shots that were falling for Alberton during the streak didn't find the bottom of the net against Victor and the Panthers dropped the game 42-49.

"We didn't shoot well. We didn't shoot well at all and that's a credit to their defense," said Alberton coach Chris Clevenger. "If we would have shot a little better it might have been a different story."

It was in the fourth quarter when Alberton's cold shooting really hurt them. Alberton went into the fourth quarter only trailing 34-38, but only could manage two field goals in the quarter - a three-pointer by Phillip Brovold at 7:11 and a three-pointer at the buzzer. In a game where their shots weren't falling for them, the Panthers had to fight for every point and proved their resiliency by leading most of the first half and keeping the game within reach until the final buzzer.

"Both teams played very hard and were pretty equal," Clevenger said.

Phillip and Jerry Brovold led the Panthers in scoring with 11 points apiece. Six of Phillip's points came by way of the three-pointer. Jerry's nine rebounds were also a team high. Jaimie Davenport had seven points and five rebounds. Jordan Johnson had six points and seven rebounds and Cody Hoose finished with five points.

The Panthers dropped to 4-2 on the year and 2-1 in conference play. Alberton will try to get back to their winning ways with a visit to Arlee Jan. 4, before hosting Hot Springs Jan. 5.