[Panther Thunder]

One of those nights.

Credit Betsy Layne, they controlled the tempo of the game. Betsy Layne did not play very well, IMO. But the Panthers just really did not do anything well tonight. All the momentum kind of went dead with the layoff. Still very proud of how the team progressed and grew.

With all of the losses from last season's team I would not have imagined a 20-win season with a PIT and 59th District Championship. The field for the regional tournament was so balanced that if you slip up, you are going home. And that is what happened. But this team in the Maroon and White battle all year through injury, fatigue, slumps, etc... And grew into a solid basketball team in EKY.

I really feel for the seniors leaving. It is always tough to go out, but unfortunately every team but 1 will. Tackett provided an example that senior should and Branham was spectacular- 15th Region POY. Those are both nice basketball players, but just as exceptional as people and great examples for the underclassmen.

Two evenly matched teams went at it, and Betsy Layne deserved this win tonight. Congratulations to them. I hope all PHS fans will show class and respect as well as Bobcat fans (well by the time I hit post I see that that ship has sailed, TRUE Panther fans, I urge you to ignore the immature posts and treat it as if they do not exist.). Nights like this really make me realize how much this school and community mean to someone like me. I have next to nothing invested in it, but it feels like I was right there with those guys when the clock ran out. It is tough to swallow, but the Maroon and White will always rise up and come back. For the seniors and this program, one last time for this 2011-12 Season:

Hail Pikeville!

Good luck to all the teams left!