Lady Panthers begin to find their groove

The Alberton Lady Panther basketball team had a busy week, taking on three opponents beginning Jan. 8 on the road against Lincoln.

The Panthers started off slow and according to Head Coach Jim Baldwin “shooting woes continued to plague the ladies,” who fell behind 20-2 after the first quarter.

Alberton struggled to pick up any momentum after the first and lost 51-28.

“Leading the way for the Panthers was Ryan Vicek with 14 points, and a great defensive effort,” Coach Baldwin said. “Natasha Ball and Delani Hanley had 5 each, Taylor Erdman 2 and Megan Drury with 2.”

On Thursday, the Panthers hosted Valley Christian and responded to Tuesday’s loss by improving dramatically.

“This was our best game we have played all year with the home clad maroon and white holding a 13 to 12 lead after one,” Coach Baldwin said. “Leading the way for Alberton was Hanley with 13, Vicek and Ball 8 each Bahm 5 and Erdman 3.  Although she’s only 5’4 Vicek pulled down 10 rebounds to go along with her 8 points.”

Despite the improved performance of the Lady Panthers, Alberton lost 43-37.

On Saturday Alberton travelled to Darby and continued to build on their improvement from the first two games of the week. The Lady Panthers fought hard in the first and ended the quarter tied with Darby.

“We struggled a bit in the second and third quarters but were still within striking distance going into the fourth quarter,” Coach Baldwin said.

Alberton lost to Darby 47-35, but Coach Baldwin said his team is consistently improving.

“We are getting better, and starting to put the ball in the hoop.  Our

defense and offense has improved and we are hoping to peak at the end when

it really counts,” Coach Baldwin said. “Our girls never quit and not matter who we play they give 100% effort from the tip off.  I am extremely proud of the way the girls performed the last two weeks and we will continue to work hard in practice to get better.”

Alberton hits the road this week, traveling to Superior on Thursday and Philipsburg on Saturday.

“The last time we played Superior we fell by 40 points, and we are hoping to improve on our efforts and handle the Bobcat press better this time around,” Coach Baldwin said. “That is one area we have worked hard on since that game.”

Coach Baldwin added even though his squad defeated Granite earlier in the season the game will be a hard fought battle on the road.