The Panthers are back in the state title game for the first time since 77 after they picked up a wire to wire 54-44 win over Heidelberg in the Final Four on Tuesday.
The Panthers started out hot from downtown, with Jack Hudson connecting on pair of three pointers as Pine Grove built a 10-4 lead.
Pine Grove overcame one of their worst shooting nights of the season as they picked up the win. The Panthers shot 48% on free throws, 28% from three and just 36% from the field.
They came to play defense, though.
The Panthers held Heidelberg to a worse shooting percentage from the field and locked down in the second half after their lead was cut to just 3 points early in the third period.
Jamas Cox was big on the night, notching 6 points, 7 rebounds and taking a pair of momentum shifting charges.
Jamas Cox has been big. Taking charges, rebounds, firing everyone up. His put back has put Pine Grove up 45-35 over Heidelberg, 4:39 to play pic.twitter.com/alLAcQyGw0
The Panthers got big buckets when they needed them to help clench the victory.
Keaton Wilkerson knocked down a pair of threes in the first half and Jack Hudson had five three pointers, including a dagger in the fourth quarter to stretch the Panther lead to 10.
Carson Rowland would lead the Panthers with 18 points, 3 assists and 8 rebounds.
Pine Grove leads Heidelberg 27-21 at the half. Jack Hudson leads with 11 points on 3 made 3’s. Carson Rowland has 8 points and including this strong move. Panthers not shooting it well overall, 4-19 from 3-7 on FT. pic.twitter.com/fI16mXJp4J
