Panthers Prevail Over Metro
League’s First Game a Success
December 14, 2007
     The Kimberly Center Panthers basketball team led by coaches Wessel and Foster were victorious over Cedar Rapids Metro in the Iowa Alternative League’s inaugural game. KC’s high powered offense was too much for Metro with the shooting prowess of Antonio Perkins, Michael Roberts and Brandon Riddick.
     The action started slowly in the first period with KC’s big men, Wayne Tally, Harold Edwards and Cedric Moore shutting down Metro’s well-honed offense. The second period saw more scoring but foul problems plagued both sides of the court. Jake Owens, Curtis Greer and Kameron Hester all pitched in giving Kimberly Center a 28-18 advantage at half.
     In the second half, Kimberly Center came out fired-up after Coach Foster’s motivational speech. The team was clearly jelling with a proclivity of assists and crisp passing. Antonio Perkins had 5 steals to add to Metro’s growing frustration. Kahlil Mueller, Tim Davenport and Jordan Hillyer made impressive contributions to the effort.
     The fourth period saw Chuck Tonelli’s Metro squad bring the game within ten points, but Wessel’s Panthers continued to apply pressure, Phillip Kirk was a valuable resource in the second half as was Michael LaGrange. Both added to the superb defense that held Metro in check. Wes Long contributed to the victory with his energetic play and hustle. Tony Fernandez was sidelined with a hamstring pull and hopes to see action in January. The game concluded with a final score of 59-46 giving KC the win and a 1-0 recodr for the season.
     Coach Wessel focused on basketball fundamentals and stressed fun, effort and sportsmanship and his team didn’t disappoint. Metro’s squad was a fantastic guest at Sudlow Gymnasium with clean, hard play. “We look forward to meeting them in Cedar Rapids in January.” said Wessel.
     As always, Coach Foster would like to remind Panther Basketball fans to tune-in to Mediacom Channel 19 every Saturday at 1:00 PM starting on December 22 for replays of the game. The replays will run every week during the season.
     Click here to see the highlight video: From school.         From home on youtube.                Click here for the game picture gallery.

1
2
DSCF0129
DSCF0130

DSCF0131
DSCF0132
DSCF0133
DSCF0134

DSCF0135
DSCF0136
DSCF0137
DSCF0138

DSCF0140
DSCF0141
DSCF0142
DSCF0143
  [1]  2  3  4  5 

 

©Photography by Steven Barnes