The boys and girls basketball teams from Panther Creek High School earned victories against Apex Friendship in their conference match on Friday evening.

In the girls’ matchup, Catamounts dominated over Apex Friendship with a score of 68-22, resulting in a running clock. The boys’ game was a tighter match, but Panther Creek ultimately secured a victory with a final score of 68-52 after a strong second half performance.

The girls team of Panther Creek had three players who scored ten or more points, with Taylor Barner leading the way with 24 points. She also contributed six steals for the Catamounts.

The Catamounts set the tone early, jumping out to an 18-7 lead after one quarter and 41-13 at halftime. Panther Creek’s defense gave up just nine points in the second half — including just one point in the fourth quarter.

Panther Creek’s Olivia Tucker achieved a double-double, scoring 15 points and making 11 steals. Kirstin Smalls also earned a double-double, contributing 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Avery Kiger was the sole player on Apex Friendship’s team to score in double digits. She ended the game with a total of 11 points.

After their victory, Panther Creek’s girls basketball team now has a record of 9 wins and 4 losses overall, with a perfect 5-0 record in the Southwest Wake Athletic Conference. Next, they will face off against Willow Spring at 6 p.m. on January 15 in a non-conference game.

Apex Friendship’s record falls to 7-6 overall and 1-3 in conference play after their game against Broughton at 3 p.m. on January 15.

Panther Creek defeated Apex Friendship with a score of 68-52 in the Boys Basketball game.

The boys’ match began with a lot of physicality, and both teams had their moments of dominance. Panther Creek’s Greg Ehlinger contributed six points, helping the Catamounts to a 18-9 lead after the first quarter. However, Apex Friendship fought back in the second quarter with strong performances from Jake Mattachione and Chuks Ezeonu, bringing the score to 30-27 at halftime.

In the second half, Panther Creek was able to create a gap by depending on its defense to generate chances.

Panther Creek’s top scorer, Logan Ware, contributed seven points in the third quarter to help his team defeat Apex Friendship by a double-digit margin.

Panther Creek’s Ware led the team with 16 points in the game. Following closely were Cameron Hunter with 13 points and Ja’tez Ward with 10 points, both also from Panther Creek.

Mattachione scored 15 points to lead Apex Friendship. David Major contributed 13 points, and Ezeonu ended the game with 12 points.

The boys basketball team of Panther Creek currently holds a record of 11 wins and 4 losses, with a conference standing of 4 wins and 1 loss in the Southwest Wake Athletic Conference. They are currently in second place in the league and will be playing against Holly Springs on January 19th.

Apex Friendship’s current record is 10 wins and 3 losses overall, with a 1 win and 3 losses record in league play. The team’s upcoming game is on January 15 at 3 p.m. against Pinecrest.

Source: highschoolot.com