Panthers get 6th straight win at Hillsboro

(HILLSBORO) — The Pana Panthers boys basketball team notched their sixth straight win and moved to 2-0 in the South Central Conference with a 66- 55 win over the Hillsboro Hilltoppers on Wednesday night. Brenden Schoonover broke loose for 22 points in the contest.

After jumping out to a 19-6 first quarter lead, Pana kept the defensive pressure on and the offense had a great night sharing the ball. Pana’s lead was 27- 16 at the break and when the fourth quarter started, Pana had out-scored the Hilltoppers, scoring almost as may points as they had the entire first half – 26 – and have a comfortable 53- 32 lead.

Colin Schmitz scored 13 points and Devon Peebles put in a dozen. Kyle Kuhn chipped in with 8 while Evan Hudlin got a 3 for his 3 points. Drew Hackler rounded out the scoring with 2 points.

The Panthers got to the free throw line 25 times and sank 17 of them for 68%. Meanwhile, the ‘Toppers shot 5-of-18, 28%.

Pana improves to 6-1 not he season overall, and begin play int he Vandalia Holiday Tournament on Monday, Dec. 27 with a pair of games. They have the early bird game, the first of the tournament, facing Shelbyville at 9:30 a.m. At 6:30 p.m. on Monday, they take on long-time rival, Nokomis.