February 19, 2026
Local NewsState & National

Offense stalls in Creston’s final home game

By CHEYENNE ROCHE
Creston’s lead scorer Rhett Driskell splits defenders in a jump shot Tuesday against Maryville. Driskell scored 31.

Creston’s lead scorer Rhett Driskell splits defenders in a jump shot Tuesday against Maryville. Driskell scored 31 in the 65-39 loss. (CNA photo by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

Before the buzzer sounded at the end of the first quarter Tuesday, Creston’s Rhett Driskell hit a triple to keep the score close, 19-15 against the Maryville Spoofhounds. But in the second quarter, the Panthers’ offense stalled out, scoring just five points. The Spoofhounds went on to win the game 65-39.

From left, Rhett Driskell (No. 3), Baret Lane (No. 23) and Tanner Ray (No. 24) guard a Maryville player Tuesday.

From left, Rhett Driskell (No. 3), Baret Lane (No. 23) and Tanner Ray (No. 24) guard a Maryville player Tuesday. (CNA photo by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

It was Creston’s final home game of the year. They finish the regular season with a 5-16 record and a 3-8 conference record.

Once again, it was Driskell who carried the bulk of Creston’s offense, scoring 31 of the team’s 39 points. Though the junior now averages 20 points per game, he has scored more than 30 in each of their last three contests.

His 422 points scored are third in conference play. Driskell scored seven times from behind the arc and brought down eight rebounds.

Senior Nate Carroll scored five points on two shots from the field and senior Jaxson Jondle added two points. CT Stalker hit one of two free throws.

Nate Carroll looks to pass the ball to an open teammate.

Nate Carroll looks to pass the ball to an open teammate. (CNA photo by CHEYENNE ROCHE)

Monday Creston heads to Knoxville where they will face the 19-3 Panthers in Class 3A postseason play.

Knoxville has three players averaging double-digit performances, led by junior Lincoln Norris with 23.7 points per game. Senior Drake Larson and junior Jackson Reed are the other top-tier performers.

Seven seniors played their final home game Tuesday — Cael Barton, Stalker, Hector Suazo, Jondle, Carroll, Ayden Purdum and Waymond Foster.

Cheyenne Roche

CHEYENNE ROCHE

Cheyenne has been with the CNA since 2022, reporting on everything from city government to sports and crime. Originally from Wisconsin, she holds a degree in Communications and Journalism and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She is a wife, mother and avid reader.