Pine Prairie secures key district victories; title still within reach

CHURCH POINT -- Coming into Tuesday night’s game on the road in Church Point, both the Pine Prairie Panther and Lady Panther basketball teams had a mission.
For the Panthers, that mission was to rebound after a humbling 30 point loss to Northwest this past Friday. With win over the Bears, Pine Prairie could not only wash out the bitter taste, but also get back on track to compete for a district title.
The Lady Panthers on the other hand, were needing a win to carry the momentum forward after starting district play 2-1. Pine Prairie’s take down of district championship contender Northwest has really given the Lady Panthers some much needed confidence.
For both teams, it was mission accomplished, as the Panthers extracted a 65-58 win over the Bears and the Lady Panthers poured it on the Lady Bears in a 54-34 victory.
In the girl’s contest, Pine Prairie and Church Point began the game trading blow for blow. However, the Lady Panther’s Brianna Bradley hit a trio of three-pointers in the period to give Pine Praire a 14-11 lead at the end of one quarter of play.
Tori Bordelon’s ten points in the second quarter allowed Pine Prairie to extend that lead to 27-19 at the end of the first half.
The Lady Panthers continued to put pressure on the Lady Bears in the second half, outpacing Church Point 27-15 to wrap up the win.
Bordelon led all scorers with 19 points. Pine Prairie is now 11-6 on the year and 3-1 in district.
The Panthers needed huge play in the second and fourth quarters to secure their win over the Bears.
Church Point took control of the game in the first quarter, outscoring Pine Prairie 19-16.
However, Panther forward Darnell Durgin popped the nets for 12 points in the following period to give Pine Prairie a 37-31 lead at the end of the first half.
The Bears cut the Panther lead down to two points after a 16-12 advantage in the third quarter.
But, Pine Prairie would gain back the momentum in the final quarter by outpacing Church Point 16-11.
The Panthers are now 12-8 on the year and 1-1 in district with the win.