In a remarkably, evenly-matched game, the Alba-Golden Panthers defeated the visiting Cooper Bulldogs, 60-46, last Tuesday. The win gave Alba-Golden an 8-2 record in district with two games to play.

How evenly matched was this game? The score was tied in the first quarter 13-13, in the second quarter at 24-24, early in the third quarter at 33-33 and again late in the third at 40-40.

Payton Dickenson hit a long 3-pointer from the corner with 2:41 left in the third quarter to knot the score at 40.  It was the fourth consecutive score by Dickenson who wreaked havoc by attacking the Bulldogs’ baseline all night. 

A 3-pointer by Boogie Trimble and a Wyatt Sutton free throw gave Alba-Golden a 44-40 lead going into the final quarter. 

While the Panthers put up 16 points in the final quarter, it was really conditioning and defense which won the fourth quarter and hence, the game.

The Panthers harassed the Bulldogs with seemingly unending energy, especially in the fourth quarter. The mentality of the Alba-Golden side was exemplified by the anticipation of Samuel Olson, the energy of Brandt Peterson, the cool demeanor of Boogie Trimble and the strength of Wyatt Sutton.  

As the final quarter got underway, the teams traded scores. At the 3:10 mark, Cameron Lennon hit a textbook jumper to give Alba-Golden a 50-44 lead. 

Some furious defending gave the Panthers the ball with 2:38 to play. They went into a stall and burned off almost a minute. 

Sutton pulled down a key offensive rebound at that point which chewed up more precious time. Gavin Parker came up with a poke-steal off the dribble which resulted in extending the lead. 

With time slipping away and the Panthers clearly winning the race to any loose ball, the Bulldogs only recourse was to foul. Luke Sutton, Parker and Trimble made good on eight free throws down the stretch to secure the win. 

There had been criticism of the boys basketball program in the past that they had difficulty closing out a game. After Tuesday’s masterful fourth quarter, it is safe to say that this group is over that hurdle. 

Trimble led Alba-Golden scorers with 16 points. Dickenson finished with 14 and Luke Sutton 10. Olson contributed 6, Parker 5,  Peterson 4, Wyatt Sutton 3 and Lennon 2.  

The Panthers secured second place in district with a victory over Como-Pickton Friday.

They closed district play with an away trip to Quinlan Boles on Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The Panthers won that game and start the playoffs Monday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at Pittsburg, facing James Bowie HS.