Going Back To State

Trailing Solon throughout the first half last night, Panther fans were wondering if there would be a fourth straight trip to the State Tournament. But thanks to an intense defensive effort in the second half and their shots starting to drop, the Mt. Pleasant Panthers won 51-33 to earn a return trip to Des Moines.

The Panther defense held Solon to 2 third quarter points and only 7 in the last quarter. Meanwhile Mt. Pleasant tallied 35 points in that same time frame.

Dalton Conrad led the offensive effort with 12 points with Cameron Frank scoring 11. Ryan Hanna knocked down 9 and Faith Pope put in 7 - all in the fourth quarter. Conner Shull and Logan Mulford contributed six each. Pope had 10 rebound, six blocks, and five steals.

Once again Mt. Pleasant's loyal fans came out in large numbers for the game at Iowa City West High School. Panther fans easily outnumbered Solon's followers and were very vocal throughout the night.

Mt. Pleasant will now face Waverly-Shell Rock (20-4) next Tuesday at 8:15 PM at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines in quarter final action. Waverly-Shell Rock won last night over Clear Lake 65-55. They have not lost since December 18.

Congratulations Mt. Pleasant Panthers on another Substate Championship and good luck at the State Tournament!