The 7-12 Panthers fell in their lone game last week, 58-62, at home against Baldwin-Woodville. Junior Mason Anderson led all scorers with 25 points, 11 rebounds and four steals in the contest that went to overtime.

Ellsworth played a very close game and went into halftime down by just a point, but Baldwin-Woodville outscored the Panthers 12-8 in the overtime period.

Sophomores Tanner Pechacek contributed nine points and a pair of rebounds while Spencer Schultz added eight points and three boards. Sophomore Alex Coulthard recorded six points, four assists and a pair of rebounds and steals, plus a blocked shot. Senior Ivan Mendez also recorded six points, two rebounds and two assists.

After a couple close losses, the team looked like they wanted to come out strong against Amery in the 73-32 win the week prior.

“The players have been working hard to improve,” Coach Jordan Petersen said. “We have had a few close games decided by a few possessions. We know what we are capable of, we just need to get over the hump. We want to come out strong every game, but what is most important to us is being consistent throughout the game,” Petersen lamented.

The Panthers had their share of positives in the big win.

“We have been trying to grow our depth throughout the season and were able to see many different players step up and be aggressive throughout the game,” Petersen stated.

With a lighter schedule last week, the Panthers had a little more time to improve than they’re used to.

“We have been able to really focus on our own team and our strengths and weaknesses and trying to correct our weaknesses,” Petersen said. He continued, “We have been able to really focus in on a few things that we saw as a weakness and then show the film to the players and drive it home on the court.”

The Panthers are rounding the corner hitting the homestretch on their season and Coach Petersen knows what he thinks his team has to do to keep their season alive.

“We would like to continue to see guys grow their individual confidence scoring the basketball and being aggressive. As a team we want to be a more consistent defensive team communicating and finishing possessions.”