Lady Panthers learn valuable lessons in two conference games

ALBERTON - The Alberton Lady Panther Basketball team began the New Year with two conference basketball games.

On Friday, the Panthers hosted Drummond and struggled to gain traction against their league leading opposition.

"The Panthers struggled from the tip off to the end with the lack of practice for many being visible from tip off," Head Coach Jim Baldwin said.

Alberton lost to Drummond 58-16 and were led by Ryan Vicek – who had six points and four steals. Natasha Ball and Taylor Erdman followed with five and four points respectively.

On Saturday, the Panthers travelled to Victor where according to Coach Baldwin "the shooting woes continued to plague the young Panthers."

"We struggled for three quarters offensively, scoring 16-points, and then erupted for 18 the last quarter," Coach Baldwin said. "I was proud of the way we came back ,and it brings hope to all that we can play better in the future."

The Lady Panthers lost 45-34. Delani Hanley led the way with 15-points followed by Kaitlyn Galahan and Vicvek with seven and six points apiece.

"Right now, our defense is going to have to be our best offense and hopefully our shooting will come around," Coach Baldwin said. "It’s a long season, and we will get better. Our girls have excellent attitudes and never give up. We just need to keep working on all facets of the game."

This week the Lady Panthers will play three games, one of which is a make-up against Lincoln.

"The game was scheduled for Dec. 20 but several players had the flu and we had to cancel," Coach Baldwin said.

On Thursday, Alberton hosts Valley Christian before travelling to Darby on Saturday.

Alberton is 1-3 in the conference and 2-5 overall.