Lady Panthers notch first victory

The Sheldon Lady Panthers earned its first victory of the season, defeating Ballard 27-25 Friday night.

The Golden Valley Vernon County Conference road victory improves the Lady Panthers to 1-8 overall and 1-5 in GVVC-play.

"The girls played their (most) well-rounded game as one collective unit," said Lady Panthers head coach Dusty Murray. "Each player was an extension of the next girl up. We got good looks on offense and played smart and aggressive on defense."

For Sheldon, Mady Bogart led the way with a team-high 7 points; Meckinize McCartney and Mahalia Swink 6 points apiece; Leah Bogart, 4; Alycia Baney, 3; Brooklynn O'Connor, 2; while Nici Hites chipped in with a point.

Boys contest

The Sheldon boys got back on the winning track, knocking off Ballard 53-46 Friday night.

The GVVC victory improves the Panthers to 7-3 overall and 5-1 in GVVC-play.

The Panthers led 35-34 at the conclusion of three quarters before outscoring Ballard 18-12 in the fourth quarter for the final 7-point margin.

Murray, who also coaches the Panthers, said his team experienced some adversity after relinquishing its lead early in the second half ---- in part due to foul trouble.

"The boys found their path and played collectively to come back and take, and then hold the lead," Murray said.

Murray discussed the contest in further detail.

"Kaleb Martin finished with 16 points and hit key free throws down the stretch," he said. "Matt Bogart played an aggressive game and clogged the boards, finishing with 14 points. Zavery Lamb fought off some foul trouble to finish with 11 points and had a steady hand in the fourth quarter."

Murray continued, "Brett O'Connor had 4 points and 7 rebounds and was a calming force that helped stabilize the team to get the lead back at the end of the third quarter. Clayton Loyd was effective on both ends and finished with 4 points. Jason Leavell had 2 points and gave us solid minutes when we got into some foul trouble."

Note:Check Wednesday's edition to find out how Sheldon fared at the Golden City Tournament