The Lady Panthers were not the only excitement in Panther Gym last Friday. The Alba-Golden boys prevailed against the New Diana Eagles, 64-33. 

Athletic Director Drew Webster was seated at the scoring table for the game and must have been pleased as his athletes ran the court for four quarters and completely exhausted the opposition. 

That was indeed the story of the game. Alba-Golden first-year head coach Nathan Sabo exhorted the team relentlessly to “Go, go, run!” after bringing down a defensive rebound. The team responded. 

They began fast and never relented. It wasn’t all running which decided this game. The Panthers are playing smart basketball.

Boogie Trimble scored behind a double screen early in the first quarter. The team set up the screen smoothly and without telegraphing that it was coming. 

The team is exploiting angles within the opposing defense. The Panthers are playing a much more three-dimensional game than they have traditionally. 

Another indicator of basketball proficiency is the ability to finish a baseline drive. The Panthers executed several such scoring drives Friday. 

These improved technical aspects of the game are matched by improved decision-making and court awareness. Spacing, so critical in basketball, is being appreciated by Alba-Golden. 

New Diana never threatened the lead as the Panthers played with the same high tempo throughout. 

Blake Harris had a monster night and finished with 19 points. He was joined in double figures by Trimble and Brett Sutton. 

The next chance to see the Panthers in action at home is the district opener Friday, Jan. 2 against Mount Pleasant Chapel Hill.