The Alba-Golden Panthers were derailed on their post-season journey by the Wildcats of Harleton and the arm of Wildcat hurler Carson Wallace. The left-hander threw five innings of no-hit ball as Harleton eclipsed Alba-Golden, 10-0, last Thursday at Driller Park in Kilgore.

Wallace, an Abilene Christian University commit, throttled the Panthers with blazing velocity and excellent control. He struck out 11 Panthers while walking three. He also helped his cause by going 2 for 4 at the plate, including two RBI doubles.

Mason Smith got the start for the Panthers. He went one and two-thirds innings, giving up three hits, striking out one and issuing three free passes. His efforts on the mound were not helped by two throwing errors which gifted runs to Harleton.  

Tucker Samples spelled Smith. His off-speed deliveries shut down the Wildcats until the fifth. Two infield base hits, an error and a line-drive single added the four runs to end the game in the bottom of the inning. 

The Panthers knew that they would have to keep this game close to give them the best shot at an area title. After the 5-run second inning, Harleton was in complete control.

The defensive play of the game was made by Panther shortstop Boogie Trimble. With the bases loaded in the second, he back-handed a tough ground ball deep in the 5-6 gap and made a quick, accurate throw to third for the force which ended the inning.  

The Panthers marked a memorable 2024-25 season with yet another district title and a bi-district championship. The balance of the team will be returning next season with an eye at capturing that elusive area championship title.