Ned boys in the game

Barbara Lawlor

Nederland

The Nederland Panthers lost three games in the last week, but those matchups were competitive and the Ned boys can be proud of the effort they are making and the improvement they have shown already this year.

The first game was at home on Tuesday, December 10, against the Rocky  Mountain Lutheran Eagles. At the end of the first period, the Panthers were behind 14-15 and were answering the Eagles’ points. By halftime,  Rocky Mountain pulled ahead by six points but it was anybody's game and the Ned boys were gathering momentum. In the third period they  outscored the Eagles 10-6 and the gap was  two points, 33-35 and the  boys had an exciting game for the fans.

It was a hard fourth quarter and Ned suffered from fouls and RM free throws and lost, 42-49.

The Player of the game was James Abendroth, who scored 17 points had  3 assists and 5 rebounds, helping keep the team in the game with his career high scoring, showing why he is a threat when he has the ball  in his hands.

Game statistics:

Diego Lopez: 6 pts, 1 rb, 1 asst

James Abendroth: 17 pts, 8 fgs, 1 3-pt, 5 rbs, 3 assts

Mike Airola: 8 pts, 2 3-pts, 2 fts, 1 rb, 3 assts

Ike Thibedeau: 8 pts, 4 fgs, 10 rbs

Wyatt Wales: 3 pts, 1 fg, 5 rbs, 3 assts

On Friday, December 13, the Panthers hosted William Smith and lost another close encounter, 37-45. The Ned boys are so close; they have  the talent and a balanced spread of skills.

Game statistics:

Diego Lopez: 2 pts, 2 assts

James Abendroth: 14 pts, 6 rbs, 1 asst

Ike Thibedeau: 9 pts, 4 fg, 1 ft, 10 rbs, 1 asst

Chris Clemmer: 10 pts, 5 fgs,  rbs, 1 asst

Miles Pancoast: 2 pts, 2 rbs,

On Saturday, December 14, Nederland traveled to Byers and the Bulldogs took over and won, 69-30. The boys now have a 1-4 record.

Game statistics:

James Abendroth: 14 pts, 4 fgs, 2 3-pts, 6 rbs, 1 asst

Mike Airola: 2 pts, 2 fts

Ike Thibedeau: 11 pts, 4 fgs, 3 fts

Wyatt Wales: 5 pts, 1 fg, 1 3-pt

Chris Clemmer: 2 pts, 2 fts

Miles Pancoast: 5 pts, 1 fg, 1 3-pt

The next home game will be on Tuesday, January 14, against Liberty Common at 6:30.