BOYS BASKETBALL: Panthers destroy Herrin for third straight victory

A 19-2 second quarter put Pinckneyville in a position for their second blowout win in as many nights on Saturday, as the Panthers dominated Herrin 66-36 for their third victory in a row heading into holiday tournament play this coming weekend.

Eleven Panthers scored in the game and all twelve players on the bench saw varsity action.

"I thought our defensive pressure really bothered them," said PCHS head coach Bob Waggoner. "They really couldn't get in any kind of offensive sync. Our guys played aggressive against them, pushing the ball in transition, getting a lot of easy shots and limiting them to one and done. I think after a time it took it's toll, and by midway through the second quarter they were a little frustrated with our defensive pressure."

With the game well out of reach in the fourth quarter, Waggoner himself took a break and let the student section coach the last few minutes of the game - by chanting the name of each player remaining on the bench that hadn't played until they were called upon to check in.

Clayton Houghland had a dozen points to lead PCHS, with Tristan Fisher (11) and Brian Taylor (10) joining him in double figures. Caleb Dahn added nine points, Tyler Rulevish seven, Adam Banach six, Caulden Lazenby three, and Cale Jausel, Jackson Brand, Nolan Luke, Alex Howard each had two.

"Our kids executed very well," Waggoner said. "I thought tonight we really continued to improve by following our game plan and executing, and just playing with a lot of energy and effort."

The Panthers (7-2, 2-0) will play host for the Duster Thomas Hoops Classic beginning this Friday at 9:00 a.m. against Red Bud in the PCHS Auxiliary Gym. Later at 7:00 p.m., the Panthers face Unity (Tolono) in Thomas Gymnasium.