Panthers take early lead to win

Summer Crosby

The Alberton boys’ basketball team came up against Phillipsburg on Saturday, January 2. The Panthers were able to take the lead early on, holding their opponent to two points in the first quarter, while they scored 12, clamping down on their defense and shutting Phillipsburg off from the basket.

“Early on, we were able to get the lead and have that cushion there,” said Coach Chris Clevenger. “I think that it was a big factor in how the game turned out. We were able to clamp down on our defense and hold them to just two points.”

In the second quarter, the Phillipsburg team didn’t have the opportunity to score much either. They managed 7 points, but the Panthers matched them point to point. At half time, the scoreboard had Alberton at 20 and the Phillipsburg team at nine.

“They never got closer than 11 points,” Clevenger said. “It wasn’t easy. We never had a huge lead on them, but maintained a comfortable one.”

In the second half, the Phillipsburg team managed to reach the basket, scoring 28 points, but it was little too late. The Panthers scored 25 points in the second half of the game, winning 55 to 37. Clevenger said that Josh Webb had a good game, scoring a total of 15 points and also managing 15 rebounds. Zach Brown scored 13 points.

Clevenger said that the team is entering what they call “the grind,” where they have game after game after game.

“It becomes really important that everyone is getting enough sleep and staying on top of their studies, because it’s basketball six days a week,” Clevenger said. “It becomes important to focus on what works and to keep doing what we do and improving. We’ve taken steps forward already which is good for us as a young team.”

Clevenger said they will face two of their toughest opponent this coming weekend when they play Seeley at home on Thursday, January 7 and then will travel to play Hot Springs on Saturday, January 9.

“We’re not going to do anything special,” he said, “just keep focusing on what we’re doing. With a young team, it’s tough to try and do different things. Confidence will also be important when we play these two teams.”