Ned claims first win of 2014.

Barbara Lawlor.

The big black cats opened their 2014 season with a loss, but turned around the next day to put a win in the new year stats. On Thursday, January 9, the Panthers traveled to William Smith and were shut down in the fourth quarter.

It was a close game all the way. The first half ended with Nederland up by one point, 18-17. Smith fought to sneak past the Panthers and came out ahead in the third period, but only by three points. It was enough of a lead to give them a fourth period edge and although Ned campaigned hard, Smith held on for the win, 42-33.

Last Friday, January 10,  the Nederland Panther boys' basketball team began the new year with a win.  After a pre-winter-break series of close game losses, they prevailed against Twin Peaks Charter Academy in an away game victory, 22-17, giving them a 3-5 record.

The Panthers, only six were suited up, came on the court with determination, pushing ahead  of the Timberwolves 6-4 by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, the score was 12-5, a three-point spread that was diminished to two points at the end of the third period, 17-15.

Nederland has been here before, slightly ahead going into the fourth and ultimately falling behind. Not this time. Although the Timberwolves tied the game at 17-17, Miles Pancoast scored to put the Panthers ahead and Ike Thibedeau put the frosting on the cake with another layup before the buzzer sounded. Pancoast grabbed 15 rebounds to help maintain possession.

Ike Thibedeau led the scoring with 8 points. James Abendroth was right behind him with 7. Pancoast had 4 points, Mike Airola had 1, Diego Lopez had 2.

Nederland's next home game is on Thursday, January 16 against Longmont Christian at 6:30.