Alba-Golden High School varsity basketball teams scored important victories last Friday night against the visiting Rains Wildcats.

The Panthers dispatched their opponents 56–41, while the Lady Panthers generated a huge fourth-quarter comeback to overcome the Lady Wildcats 49–44.

Panther Jon Michael Chadwick, who ended the night with 19 points, and his teammate Zane Smith, with 12 points, paced the Panthers scoring. The Panthers remain in the thick of the race for a playoff spot, as four teams from District 12 will go forward.

It was Coach Blake Hamrick’s Lady Panthers and their incredible four-quarter comeback that stole the night’s events. Trailing an energized Rains side, the Lady Panthers trailed virtually the whole game until 2:00 to play. Dogged determination, especially in the second half, clawed Alba-Golden back into the game. Poise and energy in the final two minutes put the seal of victory on an epic comeback.

Lady Panthers Grace Bizzell, Ginny Carson and Sammi Rambsel all scored in double figures. Marcie Pendergrass made a big contribution with seven rebounds.

Alba-Golden’s next challenge will be this Friday as they travel down Highway 69 to take on the Mineola Yellowjackets.