Panthers basketball upsets DeSoto 93-86 in double OT

Players+join+each+other+in+the+locker+room+after+a+tough+bout+with+DeSoto+in+Double+OT.+%28Brenda+Arana+photo%29

Players join each other in the locker room after a tough bout with DeSoto in Double OT. (Brenda Arana photo)

The Panthers took DeSoto to double overtime and was able to pull off a 93-86 win over the former state champions.

“I was proud of the team showing such heart in the midst of adversity” head coach Corey Chism said. “These guys stick together and work as a team every game.”

This game was the third of a series of games against the top teams in the district within a weeks time. Chism said this doesn’t affect his team as they play one game at a time.

“Our primary focus is to get better each game we play,” Chism said.

Chism said the coaching staff instills in the players that every district game is important.

“It is however a plus when you can get a win against a top tier team, ” Chism said.

A JV Panther Player fights for the ball against Grand Prairie. (Chana Stanley photo)

The Panthers were down most of the first half and even trailed in the second half as well as both overtimes. Chism said they fought their way back to get the win.

“This is the character of our program,” Chism said. “This team knows how to go into survival mode and turn up the intensity like crazy.”

This win made the Panthers the front runner in district as they prepare for the second round of district. Chism said there are several keys to them remaining at the top through the rest of district play.

” We need to remain humble and hungry and be able to see the big picture,” Chism said. The important thing is that we keep our attention on getting better every day and take it one game at a time.”

The JV team was also able to pull off key wins in the first round of district play. Although they were not able to keep their record flawless they were able to keep the district race within one game. Both teams will enter the second round of district play next week.