May 16, 2024

Sluggish start slows Panthers offense

By CHEYENNE ROCHE
Ella Turner prepares for a pass. Turner had a team-high 15 points.

Ella Turner prepares for a pass. Turner had a team-high 15 points. (CNA photos by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

For the first five minutes of Creston’s Monday game against visiting Atlantic, the Panther girls basketball team could not find a rhythm. Atlantic took an easy 64-42 road victory.

With 3:30 remaining in the first quarter, the Trojans had a 16-0 lead, and the Panthers couldn’t keep control of the ball.

Ella Turner got the Panthers on the board with two free throws after she was fouled going up for a shot. Turner led the Panthers offensively, consistently logging points each quarter, finishing with 15. Kadley Bailey didn’t find her stride until the final quarter, but was able to score 12 after a 10-point fourth quarter.

Brynn Tussey cuts toward the basket Monday against Atlantic. Tussey logged nine points in the 64-42 loss.

Brynn Tussey cuts toward the basket Monday against Atlantic. Tussey logged nine points in the 64-42 loss.

Again in the second quarter, the Panthers didn’t log points until five minutes in, but they held the Trojans to 11 points that quarter compared to the 21 they had scored in the first.

“The first was ugly, but we gave up 43 points after the first quarter so we settled down,” Creston coach Tony Neubauer said. “We’ve just got to play four quarters.”

Paytn Harter was a dominant offensive force for the Trojans, putting up 28 points.

The Panthers continued their success from the line, completing 83% of free throws compared to the Trojans 42%.

In the first half, the Panthers were outscored by 18 points. In the second half, they were only four points shy of the Trojans.

Senior Lydia Goins keeps the ball moving during the Panther’s play.

Senior Lydia Goins keeps the ball moving during the Panther’s play. (CNA photos by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

“The energy was better in the second half,” Neubauer said. “We’re a young team We’re going to go through bumps this year. We’ve gotten better. Our conference is tough right now. Quick turnaround tomorrow, same thing – just trying to put four quarters together.”

Brynn Tussey and Hollynn Rieck rounded out Panthers’ scoring with nine and six points, respectively.

The Panthers host Glenwood tonight in another Hawkeye 10 doubleheader.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Originally from Wisconsin, Cheyenne has a journalism and political science degree from UW-Eau Claire and a passion for reading and learning. She lives in Creston with her husband and their two little dogs.