UPDATE: The Creston Panther boys faced a tough defeat against Clarinda, falling 44-33 in their second conference game of the season on January 10, 2023. Despite closing the gap to just two points in the third quarter, the Panthers were unable to secure their first win, dropping their overall record to 0-8.
The Panthers entered halftime down 23-17 but showed signs of life in the second half. Star player Rhett Driskell opened the third quarter with a crucial three-pointer, followed by field goals from Tanner Ray and Baret Lane, making it a tight 26-24 game. However, a late three-pointer from Clarinda pushed their lead to 33-26 at the end of the quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Nate Carroll attempted to rally the team with two three-pointers, narrowing the score to three points once more. Unfortunately, the Panthers’ offense stalled, leading to a disappointing loss. Coach Bryce Schafer expressed concern over missed opportunities, stating,
“We were able to hold them to poor possession throughout the second half but were just unable to secure points on the other end.”
Driskell led the Panthers with 12 points, while Carroll added six and Lane contributed five. The Panthers struggled with scoring, particularly around the rim, which ultimately hindered their chances for a comeback. Creston managed to hit six shots from beyond the arc, including three from Driskell, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a strong performance by Clarinda’s Sam Kline, who led all scorers with 19 points.
Coach Schafer remained optimistic despite the loss, highlighting the team’s energy and intensity. He noted,
“If we continue to play with that, we will see much improvement throughout the season.”
Schafer emphasized the importance of making winning plays, such as reducing turnovers and improving shot selection.
Looking ahead, the Panthers face a critical matchup this Friday against Denison-Schleswig, who currently stand at 1-7 on the season. The Monarchs’ standout player, Blaine Grady, a 6-6 senior, averages 13.4 points per game and poses a significant challenge for Creston.
With the Panthers determined to secure their first win and escape the bottom of the Hawkeye 10, fans are eager to see if they can turn the tide this Friday. Stay tuned for what promises to be an intense showdown as the Panthers aim to break their losing streak.
