Bonney Lake Panthers Fall Short Against Lincoln Abes: A Glimpse into Friday Night's Hoops Battle

Senior Blaine Faulkner dropping in two

In a clash that pitted the struggling Bonney Lake Panthers against the formidable Lincoln Abes, Friday night basketball unfolded as a showcase of determination, skill, and a breakout performance from the rising star, Trey Collier. The evening set the stage for the Panthers to break free from their winless streak, but it wasn't to be as the Abes asserted their dominance early on.

The Panthers, currently languishing in the depths of the PCL league with an 0-8 record, faced an uphill battle against the second-placed Lincoln Abes, who boasted a commendable 7th state ranking by the WIAA. The absence of junior sharpshooter Lane Weir, a key points contributor, further compounded the challenges for the struggling Panthers.

From the opening tip-off, it was evident that the Abes meant business. Freshman sensation Trey Collier wasted no time making his presence felt, dropping an impressive 8 points in the first quarter. Collier's breakaway dunk not only showcased his athleticism but set the tone for an evening dominated by the Abes. The first quarter concluded with the Abes comfortably leading 23-5, a testament to their offensive prowess and stifling defense.

Junior Isaiah Chavez for 3

Lincoln's defensive tenacity persisted into the second quarter, where they continued to dominate the paint, adding another 14 points to their tally. The halftime scoreline reflected the uphill battle for the Panthers, trailing 37-14. The Abes' defense showcased why they held the 7th spot in the state rankings, leaving the Panthers searching for answers.

The third quarter saw no respite for the struggling Panthers, as Lincoln's defense held them to a mere 7 points. The Abes extended their lead to 52-21, leaving the Panthers with a daunting task in the final quarter.

Senior Chris Chaplin putting in a bucket for two

However, amidst the challenging night for the Panthers, senior Blaine Faulkner emerged as a beacon of light in the fourth quarter. Faulkner's key buckets and impressive blocks injected energy into the stands, providing a silver lining for the home team. Despite Faulkner's efforts, the final score favored the Abes, sealing a 74-34 victory.

Junior standouts Isiah Chavez and Jamian Lewis led the Panthers in scoring, each contributing 7 points. Despite the setback, the Panthers are determined to snap their losing streak as they face Mt. Tahoma in Tacoma next Tuesday, January 23rd, at 7:30.