Panthers pick up 4th straight win to move to 5-1 on season
Pine Grove has been showing off their offensive repertoire early this season with all 5 starters averaging double digit scoring.
The offensive output is a key reason the Panthers are more than halfway to their win total from last season.
Pine Grove is riding a 4 game win streak after falling to the top 1A team in the state in Ingomar. The Panthers are averaging 74 points per game in that stretch.
In that time frame, they have defeated 3A Kossuth and 4A North Pontotoc before dispatching TCPS and Calhoun Academy at the TCPS Thanksgiving Invitational.
On the season, Sophmore Carson Rowland is leading the Panthers in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals.
Rowland’s playmaking ability along with the shooting touch of freshman Jack Hudson and junior Jon Bullock has opened up the Panther offense. Seniors Mason Bullock and Cade Wilder have taken advantage of the spacing, each finding clear paths to the basket.
When Pine Grove has shots falling, they are dangerous. Rowland has improved his shooting from a year ago, shooting over 70% on free throws and over 30% from 3 point range, as highlighted on this corner 3 pointer against North Pontotoc.
If the Panthers can mantain their early season offensive pace, they are going to be trouble in their district this season.
District play begins next Tuesday against in-county foe Blue Mountain. The Cougars are also off to an increased pace from a season ago.
Game time is set for 730 pm at Blue Mountain.
