The Lady Panthers of Alba-Golden took down the visiting Lady Flyers of LaPoynor in the final seconds Friday, 58-55. 

Walking into Panther gymnasium was special. Christmas songs were blasting. The home side returned to the north side of the gym, and the stands were packed. Kids were running around in Christmas costumes. It looked like a Christmas festival was breaking out. 

While there were some special events at halftime, including a surprise visit by Santa Claus and his elves, what broke out was the best of high school basketball. 

The LaPoynor Lady Flyers, led by their talented playmaker Savannah Reynolds, were opening their district schedule. The Lady Panthers were coming off their district-opening loss at Cayuga. 

The game was heart-stopping action from the opening tip to the Averi Stevenson corner 3-pointer which broke the tie with :05 remaining.

LaPoynor stepped on the court composed and ready. They pushed out to a 21-15 lead at the quarter break. Each team opened with a press, equally effective. LaPoynor offensive zone play was more polished. 

It was Jayla Sitar who kept Alba-Golden within striking distance in the early going. She was seemingly everywhere at once. She drove the basket at every opportunity, corralled rebounds and effected steals. 

The Lady Panthers began the second quarter attacking. They found their rhythmn and played the perimeter until turning and driving hard to the basket – not just Sitar, but Peyton Clark and Joecey Lewers as well. 

Alba-Golden tied the game late in the half. 

The third quarter was breathless action as both teams demonstrated great skill and teamwork. Alba-Golden opened a brief 5-point lead, but it was a 2-point game going into the final period.

The Lady Panthers opened the fourth period on a 9-point run. It was likely the best 3:00 yet this season. Stevenson hit a short jumper in the lane, Lewers recorded a 3-pointer, Sitar drove the length of the floor and Harper Gaskill scored off a Lewers’ assist.

LaPoynor crept back with the assistance of some overly-ambitious Alba-Golden passing. With 1:43 remaining, the score was knotted again. High tension filled the gym.

The Lady Flyers hit a jump shot to take the lead. Clark answered with a scoring drive down the lane. Each team had chances in the last minute, but it came down to the Lady Panthers’ possession with 17 seconds to play. 

Sadie Wright brought the ball across midcourt. LaPoynor stopped the ball, and Wright found Stevenson open in the corner. Stevenson never hesitated and lifted a beautifully-arced shot. It was spot on. 

The Lady Panthers survived the final desperate attempt by LaPoynor and prevailed 58-55. 

The next chance to see the Lady Panthers at home will be Friday, Jan. 9 versus Fruitvale.