Here it is: The long regular season is done, and Jefferson High’s basketball squads are getting ready for the District 5B tournament this week at Manhattan Christian.
The Lady Panthers earned a first-round bye by finishing first — and undefeated — in the conference. Their first game will be on Friday at 1 p.m. against either Broadwater or Three Forks. The boys will open against Ennis on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Action continues until Saturday, with the top three teams advancing to the Divisional tournament in Billings Feb. 28 to Mar. 2.
Last week, the Panthers took on Townsend and Manhattan Christian, both on the road. Against Townsend, the boys put in the first 7 points on their way to a 19-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Kellen Meridith started the second with a 3-pointer, Parker Wagner added another three and the Panthers led, 39-21, at the half.
Hunter Stevens started the third with a two, then came up with a pair of blocks — and the Panthers were up 55-35 after three. Wagner hit a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth and the Panthers went on to win 71-45.
The girls sealed their perfect district record with a 74-61 win over the Bulldogs. Arena Faler started the game with a steal and score, Brooklyn Miller hit an old-fashioned three and the Panthers built a 25-14 lead at the end of one. Townsend came back to pull to 38-30 at the half. But Ryian Eveland started the third with a basket, and Melanie Zitnick launched a Panther run that made it 53-38 with eight minutes to play. The final: 74-61.
Manhattan Christian put in 22 points in the first quarter to edge the Panther boys by 4 points, building its lead to 43-30 at the half. The two teams traded free throws in the third quarter, with Christian holding a 63-50 edge going into the last quarter. It took the win 78-58. Stevens led the Panthers with 16 points, Colt Tietje had 12, and Kael Hesford 10.
The ladies finished their season with an easy 63-37 win. MacKenzie Layng led the Panthers with 34 points, including 10 3-pointers — breaking Amy Lewis’ old school record for threes in a game. Hannah Stevens added 9 and Jaida Jurenka 6.
See you at Manhattan Christian!
