Ava Hunter reaches 1,000 career points as Panthers fall to Blue Devils 68-36

Elberton, Georgia- The Lady Panthers (2-6) traveled to Elbert County to face the Blue Devils (16-2) in a region matchup. Junior Ava Hunter was 17 points away from reaching 1,000 career points before the game.

First Quarter

Both teams started the game missing their first shots but Junior Ava Hunter got the Panthers on the board after making 1/2 free throws. The Lady Panthers were playing very well defensively to start the game. The Blue Devils took the lead as Sophomore Aaniyah Allen hit a midrange jumper. The Blue Devils went into a full court press against the Lady Panthers offense, causing turnovers. The Panthers were having a tough time breaking the press as the Blue Devils scored 5 quick points. The Panthers responded, breaking the press quickly for 2 quick points. Allen responded for the Blue Devils but Hunter responded to that with 2 points herself. Junior Rebecca Chambers added 2 points tying the game at 5 a piece. Things started to get sloppy for the Panthers but they kept things close. The Panthers tied it late in the first quarter as Hunter got fouled and made the basket, but missed the following free throw. Allen quickly responded, as she had a huge first quarter for the Blue Devils.

Second Quarter

The Lady Panthers got off to a bad start, turning the ball over on their first possession. The Lady Panthers got the rebound off a Blue Devil miss but turned the ball over again which led to 2 more Blue Devil points. Sophomore Ellie Cook got the Lady Panthers on the board after scoring on a nice euro step layup. The Blue Devils scored 2 more off another Panther turnover bt Hunter quickly responded as she made the shot as she was fouled. Hunter made the following free throw. The turnovers started topic up for the Lady Panthers. The Lady Panthers just couldn’t keep up offensively as the Blue Devils were scoring on a lot of the turnovers they were causing. After being down 2 late in the second quarter, The Lady Panthers trailed 38-21 at halftime.

Third Quarter

The Blue Devils started the second half still scorching hot on offense. The Lady Panthers just didn’t have much of an answer for the quick scoring of the Blue Devils. The Blue Devils came out of halftime and went on. 10-0 run. Hunter finally responded with a layup but nothing was going the Lady Panthers way. Hunter and Chambers seemed like the only Lady Panthers that could buy a basket in the second half as the deficit kept getting larger. The Lady Panthers trailed 56-27 to end the 3rd quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Chambers got the Lady Panthers on the board to begin the fourth quarter. Hill scored off of a steal to get the Panther offense going. Late in the fourth quarter, Junior Ava Hunter hit 1,000 career points. A huge accomplishment as a Junior. The Panthers would fall to the Blue Devils 68-36 to fall to 2-7 on the season. The Panthers will host Banks County on Tuesday February 2 @ 5:30.