Nederland Girls' Basketball

Lesley Petrie

2/16/2006 - The Lady Panthers in their last home game of the season faced off against the Maranatha Crusaders, yet the team failed to secure a win to close out their home season. With a final score of 55-41 Maranatha, Nederland fell into the shadow of the Crusaders’ 14-point lead, and could not surpass their opponents on court. The defeat was especially potent after the previous loss at home nearly a week before against Peak-to-Peak Charter, when the Panthers endured a final 17-point deficit.

  Chandler led Nederland in the face of the Crusaders' ever-growing lead over the Panthers, playing an aggressive game with a beautiful steal and basket on Nederland’s behalf. Senior Kayla Steffek followed suit with two steals in the first quarter, and took out some much needed aggression against the Crusaders. Unfortunately, Maranatha had doubled their score, and led at the end of the half, 27-12.

  Nederland failed to close the rift between their score and that of Maranatha in the third period, largely due to the phenomenal skill and height of the Crusaders’ center. Chandler managed three 3-point shots by the game’s conclusion, as well as a multitude of other shots along with players Steffek and sophomore Shawneese Baratta. Nederland’s aggression on court was evident, but the fervor wasn’t enough to push Nederland into the lead, though the Panthers did reduce the gulf that separated them from the Crusaders. Nederland nailed some sharp free throws at the game’s conclusion, yet Maranatha led with a final score of 55-41.

  The Lady Panthers now look forward to both district and regional playoffs, as they say goodbye to Panther fans and the excitement of their home season.