The Alba-Golden Panthers used some great adjustments to prevail last Tuesday on the road at Cumby, 34-30. Their composure was thoroughly tested in a very physical game during which the officials lost control of the game. 

Cumby came out and double-teamed Alba-Golden’s low post, Gavin Dailey, from the opening tip. With Dailey consuming two defenders, Panther Nick Hallman made great use of the opening it created at the high post. Hallman hit three timely jumpers from the lane in the first half. 

Jerry Skinner produced back-to-back scores late in the first quarter – one on a nice assist from Brayden Randolph – and Alba-Golden led 11-9 after one.

Randolph warmed up his long-range shooting in the second quarter and sunk three 3-pointers. The Panthers opened up two eight-point leads and took a seven-point edge into halftime. 

A wild third quarter ensued as the physicality of play was allowed to increase unchecked. Cumby closed to within a point late in the quarter. Randolph nailed a 3-pointer to retain a four-point lead going into the final quarter.     

After having been draped with defenders in the first half, Dailey was able to exert his power over the Trojans in the final period. He made a quick inside move for a basket to open the quarter, scored again at the mid-quarter mark on a great assist from Gavin Parker, and in the final minute took an alley-oop inbound pass for the final points of the game.

It was a tough, well-earned win for the Panthers. They maintained their composure under trying circumstances, kept their awareness and closed out the game with smart, aggressive play. 

Randolph led Alba-Golden scorers with 15. He was joined on the scorecard by Dailey (6), Hallman (6), Parker (4) and Blake Weissert (3). 

After action at Boles and hosting Cooper, the Panthers are next in action Friday as they welcome Como-Pickton.