Another Panther Season Comes to a Close

Lesley Petrie

2/23/2006 - As the buzzer sounds upon both the victory and defeat of another well-played Panther season, the Nederland boys' varsity made one final statement on their home turf that every Panther fan could admire. The Panthers were victorious over the visiting Denver Academy Mustangs last Friday, February 17th in their last official home game of the season, and the boasts of pride exuded from the Panther stands illuminated the court as Nederland won with a substantial lead of 70-38 over the Mustangs.

  The Panthers initiated the first period with a tough defense against the Mustangs that provided them abundant scoring opportunities on court. Players Josh Lederach, Bryce Howard and AJ Arceo made a few tight rebounds at the basket, and Dominique Massa concluded the period with a beautiful shot that nudged the Panthers into the lead at 9-7.

  Nederland's offensive skill caught up with their defensive success in the second period, when Massa and senior Tyler Garrison made two successful shots early in the quarter. Additional points were gained from Massa's foul shots, and the baskets made by Arceo and Greiner easily elevated the Panther's score higher above the Mustangs. While Denver Academy struggled, Arceo hooked yet another beautiful three-point shot and, along with the points awarded for a technical foul called on Denver Academy, the Panthers led 25-16 at the end of the half.

  Perhaps it was the adrenaline of what would be their final game of the scheduled season, but the Panthers did not let up against the Mustangs as they began the third quarter. Garrison pulled off a skillful lay-up, followed closely by Greiner and Arceo each nailing a three-point shot. A basket made by Howard brought the Panthers' score to an even 40 points over Denver Academy, who trailed by half the Panthers' score. Players Chris Ebeling, Eric Buchholtz, and Lederach contributed successful shots to the Panthers' lead, in addition to a few scattered free throws that also added to the score. Arceo made another one of his renowned three-point shots, and the Panthers had comfortably distanced themselves from the Mustangs with a score of 49-28 Nederland.

  In the fourth quarter senior Steven Bender was somewhat of a ringer for Nederland, despite the little time he spent playing varsity this season. However, he reinforced the Panthers' lead with an unexpected steal in the game, resulting in a lay-up, which stunned the opposing team. Bender then came back for another successful shot, and boosted Nederland's score to 57-30. Massa soon fouled out mid quarter, while freshman and JV player Chris Artz took his place on court. Artz became the biggest surprise of the game when he managed to pull off two three-point shots, one shot made in the final moments of the game. Artz's technical skill enhanced the already impressive lead Nederland held over Denver Academy, as Nederland led by 32 points at the game's conclusion.

  While Panther paws wave good-bye to another admirable season, the boys' varsity now set their sights on the regional playoffs that began last Monday. The Panthers have advanced past their first match up, and will proceed to play Maranatha on Tuesday, February 21st away from home.

  Likewise, the Nederland girls' varsity has advanced in the regional playoffs with a win over the Gilpin Eagles, and now the girls' varsity will face off against Heritage Christian in Fort Collins. Good luck to the Panthers as they seek to advance past their second-round match ups, and the status of Nederland’s teams at regionals will be tracked vigorously in the coming weeks.