Lady Panthers nip NEVC, end six game losing skid

The Sheldon Lady Panthers overcame a slow start against the visiting Northeast Vernon County Lady Knights on Tuesday, eking out a 38-37 home victory.

The Golden Valley Vernon County Conference comeback win, snapped Sheldon’s six-game losing skid, as the Lady Panthers improved to 10-9 overall, and 4-4 in GVVC-play

The loss, meanwhile, sinks NEVC to 11-5 overall. After opening the season with three consecutive conference victories, the Lady Knights have now dropped their past three GVVC contests.

NEVC is still adjusting after losing starting point guard Hannah Rogers on Jan. 17 to a potentially season ending injury.

Sheldon, meanwhile, was without its start point guard for most of the game Tuesday, as Mahalia Swink exited early with a knee injury.

NEVC led 19-13 at the conclusion of a low-scoring first half. The Lady Panthers then bolted in front, outscoring NEVC 17-9 in the third, and led 30-28 entering the final frame.

Sophomore guard Lydia Longstreth’s triple with under a minute remaining in regulation sliced the Sheldon lead to point.

NEVC was then in possession with under 10 seconds remaining, but turned the ball over near half-court — as the Lady Panthers secured the victory.

For Sheldon, freshman Madison Garren tallied a team-high 14 points, while Longstreth poured in a game-high 20.