By Jeff Devine, Editor-in-Chief
Dale County Chronicle
The Wicksburg varsity boys delivered a dramatic performance Thursday night, outlasting the Ponce de Leon Pirates in a hard-fought 40–38 victory that came down to the final buzzer.
Wicksburg came out strong in the opening quarter, building a 17–6 lead behind energetic play on both ends of the floor. The Panthers continued to control the pace in the second quarter, carrying a 25–16 advantage into halftime.
Ponce de Leon battled back after the break, turning the contest into a back-and-forth affair. By the end of the third quarter, the game was tied at 30–30, setting the stage for an intense final period.
The fourth quarter featured relentless effort from both teams, with the lead changing hands several times. In the closing moments, Wicksburg made the key plays when it mattered most, pulling ahead just before the buzzer to secure the two-point win.
With the victory, the Panthers capped off an emotional night, showcasing resilience and composure in one of their most exciting finishes of the season.
JV Panthers’ Defense, Up-Tempo Offense Power Win Over Ponce de Leon JV Boys
The Wicksburg JV boys continued their strong stretch of play Thursday night, using a fast-paced “run and gun” offense and stifling defense to roll past Ponce de Leon, 44–18.
Wicksburg set the tone early, jumping out to a 12–6 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Panthers maintained control through the second period, taking a 19–13 advantage into halftime.
Any hopes of a Ponce de Leon comeback were quickly shut down after the break. Wicksburg’s defensive pressure and transition scoring dominated the third quarter, as the Panthers extended the lead to 30–12.
From there, the Panthers cruised to the 44–18 final, marking another impressive defensive performance while continuing to thrive in their up-tempo system.
Wicksburg will be back in action quickly, returning to the court tomorrow with a 3 p.m. matchup in Daleville.
