Eagles defeat Panthers

After losing a 17 point lead against the Fowler Redcats, dropping their league record to, 1-2, the Eagles looked to defend their homecourt against the Parlier Panthers. FC was confident heading into the game as they have not lost to Parlier at home in seven years. The home winning streak was extended to eight years as the Eagles took the win, 60-47.

From the tip off, FC was shooting three-pointers left and right. The scoring quickly got started with two consecutive three-pointers from Damien Boyce, ’17, as the Eagles jumped out to an early, 6-2, lead. At the end of the first quarter, FC was in front of the Panthers, 23-10. Daniel Walker, ’17, was leading all scorers with 12 points and three three-pointers.

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In the second quarter, the story stayed the same. Both teams traded baskets as the Eagles held their lead. At the end of the first half, FC led Parlier, 37-18. As the second half went on the Eagles began to pull away behind the efficient scoring of Boyce, Walker, and Joel Martinez, ’17. FC lead by as many at 20 points towards the end of the third quarter.

As the game went on, it became apparent that a comeback would not be in store for the Panthers. Both teams began to play their bench players. This caused a late spark for the Panthers as they cut the FC lead down to 13 points. The Eagles gained their second league win over the Panthers, 60-47.

The Eagles have struggled to win games even when they have a lead. Boyce was proud of the way the team closed out the game and stayed in the lead. He is excited for their next game against Riverdale High School.

“I think we played really good together,” Boyce said. “We all played really good defense and closed out the game early. I think we will beat Riverdale in the next game. We need to continue to play good defense against them. Our team matches up really well against them so I think we will easily outrebound them.”

The win over Parlier High School put the Eagles in a tie for second place in the West Sequoia League with Riverdale. The Eagles play the Cowboys in the FC gym at 7:30, Jan. 27. 

To read another basketball sport short check out, FC boys basketball sport short: Coalinga.

This writer can be reached via email: Phillip Christopher.