An old school basketball game broke out last Friday night at the Alba-Golden gymnasium. The Como-Pickton Eagles came from behind to defeat the Alba-Golden Panthers 40-37 in a classic.

Over four minutes of game time had expired in the first quarter before either team illuminated the scoreboard. It was the kind of game where a single errant pass or misstep or lost rebound could mean the difference between winning and losing.  

Each team played a similar style of basketball and featured evenly-matched skills. As an example, Como-Pickton worked hard to deny the pass from the point to the wing, while Alba-Golden allowed the pass and attempted to trap the winger. 

Early work on the boards kept Alba-Golden matching Como-Pickton throughout the first half. Boedy Baker had one of his best nights on the court. With an opposing post who matched Baker’s size and strength, Baker more than met the challenge. He finished the game with 17 points, a ton of rebounds and three blocked shots. Baker was joined by Jack Patton in logging excellent defensive performances. 

At the half, the Panthers led 18-17.   

Kyle Kennedy opened the third quarter by stealing the ball at mid-court and taking it to the basket for a score. The Panthers opened up as much as an 8-point lead in the quarter as they methodically built momentum and confidence. 

At the end of three quarters, the home side led 29-23. 

In a flash the lead evaporated in the opening minute of the final quarter. Consecutive turnovers resulted in quick points for the Eagles, and a tied score. With 5:20 to play, Panther Will Hartin momentarily put the Panthers back on top with a drive down the lane, but the Eagles answered and never gave up the lead.  

Alba-Golden closed twice in the final minutes -- 3-pointers by Baker and Kennedy – but a potentially game-tying shot in the final seconds went amiss. 

The game was cleanly played and as well-competed as any game this season. The Panthers had multiple opportunities to put this game away but were derailed by a combination of small mistakes. 

Alba-Golden has a solid basketball team which has shown surprising adaptability this season. A district title is no pipe dream, and a berth in the playoffs is even more likely. Eliminating those small errors will get them there.