The Alba-Golden Lady Panthers put in another yeoman-like performance Friday and remained unbeaten in district basketball. They combined all their team strengths to secure a 51-40 victory over the visiting Como-Pickton Lady Eagles. It may have been the Lady Panthers’ most complete game yet. 

The opening score was an exemplary offensive passing possession, as the ball went from the point to the wing to the post to the backside for an easy lay-in. The basket went to Hannah Wright with an assist from Kalli Wright. The key, however, was that the score came on four well-placed passes, with no dribbling. Team basketball.  

Bella Crawford promptly stole the ball in the next exchange and scored on a break. Kamrin Wright added a 3-pointer from the wing and the home side had a 7-0 start.  

Como-Pickton whistled a time-out with the score 9-2. They came back out and changed from a zone to man-to-man defense. They would flex their defense back and forth all night. The Lady Panthers were ready. Another score by Crawford, a basket by Hannah Wright in the paint, and a short jumper by Autumn Whitten on a Kalli Wright assist made the score 15-5.

Cacie Lennon joined the scoring just before the quarter break with a nice steal in the back court.

Como-Pickton produced some short surges in activity before the half, but strong rebounding by Kalli Wright and aggressive inside play by Hannah Wright kept the visitors at bay. Alba-Golden led 28-19 at the half.

Coach Dale Clement called off the press in the second half, and the Lady Panthers played a tough half-court game. Como-Pickton surged back with some great offensive work. At the end of three quarters, the Lady Panthers led 36-30.

There was no panic. The Lady Eagles had closed to within four points at one stage, but relentless effort – such as Autumn Whitten’s key rebound with 2:30 to play – saw the team through. The home side simply outplayed their opponents in every facet of the game in the final quarter, outscoring them 15-9 to record the win.

The leadership of senior Bella Crawford continued. Her court awareness, quickness and scoring abilities are among the best in the district. She finished with 19 points. When paired with playmaker Cacie Lennon, the Lady Panthers are a tough match-up for anyone. 

After visiting North Hopkins Tuesday, the Lady Panthers will host Cumby Friday.