Panthers fall to Leopards 77-42 @ Banks County

Homer, Georgia- The Union County Panthers (0-6) traveled to Homer, Georgia to take on The Banks County Leopards (14-7). The Panthers would be without Coach Corey Garrett due to being ejected in the previous game. The Panthers would also be without their only senior, Kaston Hemphill, due to a leg injury he suffered in the previous game.

First Quarter

Both teams started the game with back to back turnovers but Banks County got on the board first after a steal. Nothing went right for the Panthers as they piled up 10 first quarter turnovers as the Leopards went on a 20-0 run. The Panthers trailed 20-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Second Quarter

To begin the second quarter, the Panthers picked up a good stop on defense, but were only able to score 1 point as Junior Landon Kight made 1/2 free throws. The turnovers continued for the Panthers to begin the second quarter. Sophomore Eli Underwood hoped to get the Panthers offense rolling as he hit a deep three pointer. The Leopards responded with another 3 pointer to extend their lead. The Panthers offense was scoring here and there but the Leopards offense kept on rolling as they were scorching hot. The Panthers had another quiet quarter offensively as they trailed 36-8 at halftime. The Panthers finished with 15 turnovers in the first half.

Third Quarter

Underwood got the Panthers on the board first with a nice put back. The Leopards were still scorching hot on offense as the Panthers still had no answers. The turnovers kept piling up for the Panthers as the 3 pointers were piling up for the Leopards. Kight responded with a 3 after the Leopards knocked down two 3’s in a row. Junior Daniel Snow also knocked down a 3 as the Panthers offense was looking a lot better in the second half but the defensive struggles continued. The Panthers offense responded well in the second half, scoring 16 points but the Leopards offense kept their foot on the gas. The Panthers still trailed 63-24.

Fourth Quarter

Junior Lake Hughes started off the quarter with a steal and a layup. The Panthers offense kept attacking the basket but the defense just couldn’t get enough stops as the game was already out of reach. The Panthers fall to the Leopards 77-42. The Panthers fall to 0-2 in region play.The Panthers travel to Elbert County on Friday to face the Blue Devils in a region matchup. The game will start at 7:30.