MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – Last Tuesday evening was a frustrating one for the Panther girls and boys basketball teams as they both fell short against Portola in Mid-Valley League contests by scores of 33-35 and 47-53 respectively.
Playing in the early game, Maxwell’s girls came out cold initially, but heated up to take the lead for the first time with 2:14 remaining in the first period.
Entering into the second quarter both teams missed opportunities to score, but the Panthers were able to forge ahead a take a seven-point lead into the locker room at the half.
Yet, the third period was the turning point in the contest as the Tigers went on a 9-0 run, capitalizing on Panther turnovers and holding Maxwell to just four points in the quarter.
Nevertheless, the Panthers fought back to tie the game at 33 with three minutes remaining after Bethany Wilson drained a three.
Turnovers however, ultimately sealed their fate after Portola regained the advantage with a minute remaining and although Maxwell had a last chance to win it outright with six seconds left on the clock, the attempt fell short.
Wilson had a team-high nine points, Miyah Reyes pitched in with seven and Karina Perez corralled eight rebounds.
In the nightcap, the Panther boys rallied back from 12 points down at the half to make it close, but could not overtake Portola.
Vincent Orozco had the hot hand going for a game-high 22 points, while Tanner Vierra finished with eight points and eight rebounds.
To conclude the week, both teams made their way to Hamilton City on Jan. 30 where the girls were defeated 41-58 while the boys suffered a 33-52 setback.
No other information about the game was available by the Pioneer Review print deadline.