BASKETBALL: Panther sophomores win Murphy consolation bracket

Entering second round play of the consolation bracket at the Murphysboro Sophomore Tournament, Pinckneyville's record was a mediocre 3-3 while competing without several of their top players who were tied up with duties on the varsity Panthers during the majority of the 2012-13 basketball season.

After PCHS was eliminated at the Sparta Regional on February 22, those players joined the other sophomores, and this past Saturday they completed a three-game tour de force through the consolation bracket with wins over Breese Central (Tuesday), Herrin and Carrier Mills. The Panthers' average margin of victory in those three games was an impressive 22.3 points as they cruised their way to the trophy.

Braden Kitowski (11 points), Caleb Dahn (10) and Nolan Luke (10) all finished in double figures in Saturday morning's 55-31 thrashing of Herrin. The Panthers led by ten heading into the fourth quarter, then turned it on for a 21-7 final frame.

Tristan Fisher, Jacob Downard and Adam Banach each scored 6 points against the Tigers, Clayton Houghland added 4 and Sam Simpson 2.

Later that afternoon, the Panthers posted another lopsided victory, taking down Carrier Mills 74-47 in a game they led by 20 points at halftime.

Luke led the way with 18 points, 16 coming in the first half. Fisher had 13, Dahn 12, Kitwoski and Simpson 8, Houghland and Banach 5, Cale Jausel 4 and Downard 2.

Jakeb Jackson, Hayden Carter and Jackson Brand each played in both Saturday games, but did not score.

The sophomore Panthers, coached by Nolan Kellerman, finished the season at 6-3.

-Doug Daniels can be reached via email at ddaniels@duquoin.com. You may also follow him on twitter @DQCallSports.