2010 BIT: Panthers survive scare against Hamilton County

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ Pinckneyville Community High School's varsity basketball winning streak at the Benton Invitational Tournament is still alive, but not without going on life support for a while against Hamilton County on Wednesday night.

The Panthers trailed by as many as nine in the first half before stomring back with a 21-0 third quarter run to completely change the complection of the game, eventually defeating the Foxes 60-39. The win was their 27th consecutive B.I.T. victory, their 31st straight win at Rich Herrin Gymnasium, and their sixth in a row overall this season.

"There's three things that we emphasize," said Panthers' head coach Bob Waggoner. "Energy, effort, and execution. I though in the first half we had none of the three, and in the second half, we had all three."

Hamilton County continued to control the game for most of the first half, forcing the Panthers into questionable shots and working the ball inside on the other end. The Foxes took a 30-24 lead into halftime, but obviously left it behind in the locker room.

For the first seven minutes and forty-six seconds of the third quarter, Hamilton County was held without a single point while the Panthers had seemingly flipped the switch on defense.

"In the second half the trap was there," Waggoner said. "I don't think they were prepared to see as much 1-3-1 as we ran."

Lamb's 15 points led all scorers, Brandon Webb led the Foxes with 12.

"In the second half (Lamb) went at (Greiesemer) and played more physical," said Waggoner. "Kyle's a kid with a ton of potential ... We get glimpses of it, (but) if he ever learns how good he can really be and starts to develop, he could be a dominant player for us."

Pinckneyville continues their quest for a sixth consecutive perfect B.I.T. against Carlyle on Friday at 6:00 p.m. The Indians dropped a 59-46 conest to Sesser-Valier on Wednesday.

For the full story on Wednesday's game, pick up Thursday's Du Quoin Evening Call.

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