Panthers Open up at Home With Victory over Rival

The hottest ticket in Bracken County last Tuesday night was in Augusta at the Panther's Den for the first meeting of the season between the visiting Polar Bears and the Panthers.  Neither team came out very impressive.  Augusta was fortunate to come out ahead after 1 quarter, 13-10.  The offense picked up in the 2nd quarter as the tight battle ensued.  The Panthers maintained the lead for the most part but couldn't shed the Polar Bears as they continued to hang around.  Bracken County hit a basket just before the horn to make it 31-28 Panthers at the break.       In the 3rd quarter Augusta held onto the lead but still Bracken County stayed within striking distance as the teams started the 4th quarter with the Panthers leading, 46-40.  In the 4th quarter the Polar Bears had one more run left as they cut it to 49-44.  But after a Panther basket made it 51-44, Connor Maddox would nail 2 straight 3-pointers to make it 57-44 and Augusta would roll from that point to win 69-48.  Brent Bach led all scorers with 30 points and was joined in double figures by Dustin Freeman with 13 and Tanner Kelsch with 12.  Augusta is now 4-1.      

"This is an amazing atmosphere to play a game in, and it's an added bonus to get the win," said Coach Hinson, "I like the way we are playing as a team right now."

Scoring vs. Bracken County:  Bach 30, Freeman 13, Kelsch 12, Maddox 6, Snapp 4, Barrett 2, Crawford 2