The Bells Panthers opened up district 14-2A play on Saturday with a win over the Howe Bulldogs, 56-42. Nate Neal led the Panthers with 15 points, while Derek Elk had 13 points and Ryan Klose added 10 points and 15 rebounds, for his fifth double-double of the season.
The Panthers jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter and lead 16-6 at the sound of the buzzer. Neal had a good quarter with 6 points, Elk added 4 points, and Reed Klose, Cody Stern, and Kolby Milner each added 2 points.
Howe would outscore the Panthers in the second quarter, 13-11, but Bells would remain in control with a 27-19 lead at half time. Bud Pedigo had 4 points for the Panthers in the second quarter. Neal, Stern, and Tanner Lodge each added 2 points and Milner had a free throw.
In the third quarter, the Bulldogs would outscore the Panthers again, 15-13, but the Panthers would remain in control with a 6 point lead, 40-34. Neal added 5 points and Ryan Klose scored 4 points. Elk and Stern each added 2 points.
With the help of Ryan Klose and Elk in the fourth quarter, the Panthers would double the Bulldogs, 16-8, to take the win 56-42. Elk would have a bucket and 5 free throws, for 7 points. Klose worked the paint for 6 points and Neal had 2 points, while Stern added a free-throw.
Leading in scoring for Bells would be Nate Neal with 15 points, and 7 rebounds. Derek Elk had 13 points and 4 rebounds. Ryan Klose added 10 points, grabbed 15 rebounds, and had 2 assists. Cody Stern scored 7 points and had 3 rebounds. Bud Pedigo added 4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 blocks. Kolby Milner had 3 points and 2 rebounds. Reed Klose added 2 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals. Tanner Lodge rounded out scoring with 2 points.
For Howe Hempheley had 15 points, Torres 8 points and Herbert 7 points.
Bells will travel to Honey Grove on Tuesday to take on the Warriors; JV games are slated to begin at