Sheldon cruises to conference win

Sheldon Panthers sophomore center, Brett O' Connor, looks to make a move in the post Tuesday night. (Photo by Matt Resnick/Daily Mail)

In Tuesday night Golden Valley Vernon County Conference hoops action, the Sheldon Panthers coasted to a 68-37 victory over the visiting Northeast Vernon County Knights.

The victory improves Sheldon to 9-4 overall (7-1 GVVC), while the Knights fall to 2-10 overall (2-4 GVVC).

Sheldon was scorching hot out of the gate, opening the contest on an extended 35-11 run, before going on top 50-20 at the half.

"The boys came out aggressive tonight," Sheldon head coach Dusty Murray said.

Murray said he was especially happy with his squad's defensive effort.

"We put pressure on ball-handlers all over the court, and we were able to get some turnovers and transition buckets," the first-year head coach said.

"What stood out tonight was our foul shooting. We hit 83 percent from the line as a team. When our junior varsity (players) came in they had the same kind of energy our starters did, and we were able to outscore NEVC in the second half to extend our overall lead."

For Sheldon, Kaleb Martin finished with a game-high 15 points, while Zavery Lamb added 10.

"Kaleb played as a leader on both ends of the floor, while Zavery helped control the game-tempo," Murray said.

Murray was also thrilled with the play of several other players, including Panthers guard Clayton Loyd, who concluded the evening with nine points and four steals.

'Clayton played fast and aggressive on both ends, overcoming a nasty fall to the ground," Murray said, adding, "Matt Bogart played efficiently on defense, forcing turnovers and getting easy looks, which contributed to his nine points."

Murray further discussed his team's play.

"Jason Leavell came in and played with a lot of fire and was able to add six points off the bench,"Murray said.

Foreign Exchange Student Koicki Tamaki was active the entire time he was in, finishing four points.

"(Center) Brett O'Connor filled in on transition offense really well and helped generate the pace of the half-court offense and defenses."

In addition, Ethan Copenhaver added four points, while Bryce Lamb and Dylan Bzuchowski chipped in two points apiece.

Up next

In non-conference action, Sheldon travels to Wheatland for a boys-girls varsity doubleheader, with tip off of the first game slated for tonight at 5:30 p.m.