NH Panthers and Lady Panthers
Win On the Road in McLeod

From Coach Larry Tucker

McLeod - The North Hopkins Lady Panthers put together their best team effort of the year led by the hot hand of Senior Melony Huffman's 15 first half points to come home with a 55-25 win at McLeod. After taking a 10-9 first quarter lead, the Lady Panthers rolled to an 18-5 second quarter advantage to lead 28-14 at intermission. Huffman hit 11 of her 15 points in the second quarter.
Junior post Chelsey Crouch had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Kelsey Buchanan added nine points and grabbed seven rebounds with freshman Baile Gamille hitting for five points and getting six assists. Sophomore Madison Wenrick sparked the defense in the second half dominating the boards with nine rebounds.
"It was really our best game of the year. We played with a lot of team effort and intensity," Coach Larry Tucker said. "I am really proud of each of the ladies for their effort. Hard work does pay off."
In the second half, the Lady Panthers outscored the Lady Longhorns 27-10 to secure the victory.
North Hopkins is now 2-4 in District 16A and will have a bye this Friday. They will return to action on the road again at Sims James Bowie next Tuesday, January 15.

McLeod - A great defensive effort by North Hopkins led the Panthers to an important 44-34 road win over McLeod Tuesday night. After falling behind 18-17 at intermission, the Panthers used a 13-3 run in the third quarter to take a 30-21 lead into the final period. Tarence Berry led the charge with 16 points, including three long range three point shots and 5-7 from the free throw line. Blake Adams had a good night underneath the bucket hitting for 14 tough points in the paint. Adams had 13 of his points in the final quarter as the Panthers pulled away from the Longhorns.
"We played a great defensive game tonight. Berry and Adams both did a good job scoring and Trenton Dodd got after it on the boards," Head Coach Clay Pirtle said. "I am proud of the whole team for their defensive effort against a good team like McLeod."
The Panthers are now 2-1 in district play, tied with Avery for second place, a game behind unbeaten (3-0) Honey Grove. The Panthers travel to Sims next Tuesday to face James Bowie after taking off Friday night this week with a bye.

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