The Alba-Golden Panthers got an early-season measure from the Edgewood Bulldogs last Tuesday and fell 66-36 in Edgewood. Many teams will calibrate their efforts based on games scheduled against perennial basketball powers, and last Tuesday was no exception.

Head coach Quincy Clements  and his charges should not be disappointed with what transpired last week. Edgewood made excellent use of a tall, very athletic post player who knew his way around the basket. The Bulldogs also attacked relentlessly, employing a full-court press for three quarters.   

The Panthers countered with an aggressive defense in the paint, especially the efforts of Wyatt Sutton. Height is, however, a distinct advantage in the sport, and the Panthers will have to contend against taller opponents throughout the season. 

Breaking the full-court press is simply a matter of practice. How and when to get the ball to the center of the court, how to make those breaks into the gaps to free-up follow-on passes, and once up-court, how to turn the breaking of the press into a score – it all comes with practice. 

The experience of a very well-applied press will serve the Panthers well as they gear up for district play.

Alba-Golden will certainly be in the mix in district. They are exceptionally well-conditioned and will beat their opponents “to the spot” more than not. What will likely be the focus of the next couple of weeks will be the tactical play associated with positioning on the court and continued shooting to up the teams’ confidence level. 

Teammates on the 2023-24 Panther basketball roster are Cooper Christian, Payton Dickinson, ake Hallman, Luke Jones, Cameron Lennon, Sam Olson, Gavin Parker, Brandt Peterson, Luke Sutton, Wyatt Sutton, Kaden Trimble and Garrett Wright.    

The Panthers will spend most of December on the road, but return to their home court on Thursday, Dec. 28 for a 3:30 tip-off against Grand Saline.