Panther boys fall short in season opener
by Nick Urness, student writer
On Tuesday, Nov. 24, the Gilmanton boys basketball team traveled to Plum City and started the year off with a loss to Elmwood/Plum City Wolves with a score of 63-52.
With a whole different team from last year the Panthers knew it wasn’t going to be easy. With only one returning starter from last year’s regional champ team, the boys knew they had some big shoes to fill.
With very little varsity experience the Panthers struggled early against the Wolves. At one point they were down 16 points in the first half, but eventually shots began to fall and the momentum started tilting their way.
By the end of the first half the Panthers cut the Wolves’ lead to just two points, entering halftime with a score of 25-27.
However, at the start of the second half the Wolves came ready to shoot, making three 3-pointers in a row at one point.
The Panthers’ low field-goal percentage made it difficult for them to keep up. With many nerves for the Panthers’ first game they shot 17-for-60 from the field which contributed to the loss on opening night.
Senior Nick Urness led the team with 16 points and 10 rebounds, followed by freshman Tanner Hovey who had 11 points and seven rebounds. Damontae Dewitt also chipped in with eight points and seven rebounds.
The Panthers now have a big break and do not continue action until Tuesday, Dec. 8, when they travel to rival Eleva-Strum, which is the first Dairyland Conference game of the year. The squad’s first home game is set for Friday, Dec. 11, against E.C. Immanuel Lutheran.
