The Bells Panthers (10-8, 1-1) played host to the Gunter Tigers in continuation of District 14-2A basketball action Thursday night. The Panthers would grab their first district win of the season.
Bells would start out strong in the first quarter with two quick buckets by Adam Cunningham. Derek Elk would sink a three pointer, and then connect on a drive to the basket for two more points.
Cunningham would score another bucket and Reed Klose would drive the baseline and get a lay-up for 2 pts. The Panthers would jump out to a 16-5 lead over the Tigers after the first quarter.
The Tigers would match the Panthers' 13 pts in the second quarter. Cody Stern would drive in twice during and score 4 pts. Elk would hit another bucket from the arc and Nathan Martin & Cunningham would each have a bucket apiece for the second quarter. The Panthers would maintain an 11 pt lead, 29-18 going into the locker room for half time.
Bells would outscore Gunter by one point in the third stanza and take a 43-31 lead. Cunningham would drive in for 2 more buckets, Elk would have an 8 pt quarter, and Matt Romig would score off an offensive rebound. Gunter would try to narrow the gap by hitting a few key three pointers, but Bells would stand their ground and maintain the lead.
The fourth quarter would be the best shot for Gunter to take control of the game. The Tigers outscored the Panthers 18-9, but Bells would hang on to the win 52-49. Cunningham would help the Panthers out with a three pointer, Martin would grab a rebound and put it back up for 2 pts, Romig would make 2 crucial free-throws and Ryan Klose would also make a free throw to help seal the win.
Leading all scorers was Derek Elk with 18 pts. Elk also had 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Adam Cunningham racked up 16 pts for the Panthers and had 2 rebounds and 3 steals. Cody Stern had 6 pts, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 assists. Nathan Martin had 5 pts, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Matt Romig scored 4 pts and grabbed 5 rebounds. Reed Klose had 2 pts and Ryan Klose had a free throw, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Justin Martin & Brad Breelove each had 10 pts for the Tigers.
Bells will continue with district 14-2A play and host Callisburg Saturday for an afternoon game beginning at 2:00 pm with JV games.
Come support the Panthers!