MAXWELL, CA (MPG) – Two of the county’s smallest schools squared off against each other in a preseason girls basketball game on Dec. 9, where a fourth quarter rally by the hometown Panthers fell just short in a 35-37 loss to the Princeton Eagles.
A close game throughout, it began with Maxwell jumping ahead early 12-9, but the Eagles were able to take control of the boards and as a result held a 21-20 advantage over the Panthers at the half.
With both teams struggling to find the range in third period, the stage was set for a frantic fourth quarter that saw Princeton extend its lead to 32-37 with a minute remaining after Mackenzie Wills hit a three then followed up with a layup.
Turnovers by the Eagles gave Maxwell multiple opportunities to close the gap, but it could only muster a free throw prior to a two-point basket by Bethany Wilson before the clock ran out bringing the game to an end.
Wilson and Ruby Herrera each finished the night with 10 points to lead the Panthers, a team made up of one junior and eight sophomores.
As for Princeton, Wills, the team’s only senior, came up big, pouring in a game-high 28 points, while Reyna Sullivan pulled down eight boards.
Both teams continued preseason play this week with Maxwell (1-6) traveling to Los Molinos on Dec. 16 before tipping off in the Hamilton City Tournament, which runs from Dec. 19-20, while the Eagles (4-1) hosted Williams on Dec. 18, ahead of the Los Molinos Tournament.