Panthers remain in district lead after key win

Submitted by Michael Bordelon on Sat, 02/14/2015 - 16:10
On Friday night, the Pine Prairie Panthers hosted the Livonia Wildcats with one thing on their mind; win and stay on top of the district 5-3A standings. The Panthers came into the game with a one-game advantage over the Ville Platte Bulldogs in the race for the 2015 district championship. Pine Prairie jumped out quickly and held a double-digit lead throughout the game in a 76-62 win. 
With a district title possibly on the line and the Panthers on their home court, Pine Prairie looked to gain some huge momentum in the first quarter. Offensively, the Panthers began the game on fire. Pine Prairie scored 19 points, including nine from Sylus Carson. As the first period closed, the Panthers held a 19-8 lead.
Pine Prairie continued to shoot lights out in the second quarter. Vontrevis Thomas knocked down 11 points, leading the Panthers to a 24-point total in the period. Defensively, the Panthers kept the pressure on Livonia. The Wildcats could not keep up with the Pine Prairie offensive pace, only scoring 17 points in the quarter. When the buzzer sounded to end the half, the Panthers held a 43-25 lead. 
The third quarter turned out to be a shootout between both squads. Pine Prairie shooters remained blazing hot, as the Panthers torched the nets for 21 points in the period. The Wildcats answered with 19 points to keep pace with Pine Prairie. However, as the third stanza closed, the Panthers had extended their lead to 20 points, 64-44. 
Livonia tried to crawl back into the game in the final period. The Wildcats maintained the offensive momentum gained in the third quarter, popping the nets for 18 points. But, it was too little too late as the Panthers finished with 12 points to seal the victory. 
Three Pine Prairie players were able to score in double digits in the contest. Carson poured in 20 points, while Josh Freeman netted 17 points. Thomas added 13 points. 
The Panthers are now 26-5 on the year and 8-1 in district play. Pine Prairie will travel to Port Barre on Tuesday looking to finish out regular season with a win and a district championship.

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