Pine Grove has lofty expectations for their basketball team this year.
To meet those expectations, they will have to play up to their abilities. To achieve their goals and reach their potential, they will have to play like they did Monday.
The Panthers cruised past previously unbeaten Nettleton 75-47 at the Hickory Flat Invitational on Monday, claiming their fourth straight contest to move to 5-1 on the year. The last three Panther wins have come by an average of 31 points per game.
On Monday, Pine Grove got off to a strong start with their entire starting lineup scoring, led by Jack Hudson with 6 and Carson Rowland with 5. The Panthers took a 17-10 lead that was punctuated by Jamas Cox taking a charge leading to a Nettleton technical foul call. Hudson would drain both free throws and the Panthers would never look back.
Jamas Cox draws the charge just before the buzzer. Jack Hudson hits both FT. Pine Grove leads Nettleton 17-10 after one quarter. pic.twitter.com/jCrRs7GVc7
Pine Grove’s team play was on full display, with all 5 starters scoring in double digits and each player locked in on defense and playing their role on the team. Rowland turned in an all around game, putting up 15 points with 10 coming in the third quarter, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Hudson led with 16 points, putting up 14 in the first half. Cox dominated the glass, taking in 16 rebounds to go along with 12 points. Keaton Wilkerson and Hayden Holcomb each added 12 points.
The Panthers move on the pool championship game on Tuesday, taking on a solid South Pontotoc team.
If the Panthers want to continue their ascent towards their goals, Tuesday is another chance for them to improve.
