On Thursday, February 9th, the girls’ basketball teams of Tamaqua and Panther Valley met at Lehighton for a tie-breaker Schuylkill League Playoff Game. The teams had faced each other twice already this season and split. In the first meeting, Panther Valley came out on top 46-41 over the Raiders.
Last week, they faced off for the second time, and the Raiders were able to gain redemption with a 46-39 win. As expected, their tie-breaker game for a slot in the Schuylkill League Playoffs was well-played and intense. Tamaqua’s Lady Raiders came back after being behind the vast majority of the first half to outscore the Panthers, secure the win, and the playoff slot. The final score was Tamaqua 39-Panther Valley 31.
The game began with a quick three-pointer from Tamaqua’s Kendle Miller. This would be their only lead until the second half. Kaidence Krapf of Panther Valley quickly responded with a three-pointer of her own. Krapf put up three three-pointers in just the first quarter to help her team gain a lead over the Raiders. Panther Valley’s Natalie Vermillion was also able to put a three-pointer on the board in the first quarter. Tamaqua seemed to have trouble scoring, but Miller was able to make foul shots along with a basket and a foul shot from Sarah Hope. Panther Valley had a 14-8 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Tamaqua started to come alive. They were able to outscore the Panthers in this quarter, but they were still behind. Tamaqua’s Sarah Hope put up five points including a three-pointer and a basket. Lauren Ligenza had her first points of the game. Panther Valley started to show signs of going into foul trouble. Mikayla Yurichek went into the half with three fouls. Maddison Maynard of Panther Valley led the Panthers, and game, in scoring this quarter with seven points. Panther Valley held onto the lead 24-22 going into the half.
Both teams came into the second half very determined. At this point, it was clear that the game really could go either way. Both teams struggled to score in this quarter. Tamaqua only had six, but Panther Valley had just four. Tamaqua did a great job on defense to shut down Panther Valley’s best scorers. Panther Valley continued to approach a fouling issue. Tamaqua was able to gain the lead, but it was continually close. The third quarter ended in a 28-28 tie.
Panther Valley fell behind in the fourth quarter. They were only able to put up three points. The Panthers continuously fouled and kept sending Tamaqua’s girls to the foul line. Tamaqua was able to score seven of their eleven points just off of foul shots. Maynard and Lucy Kocha of Panther Valley both fouled out in the final quarter. Tamaqua had possession of the ball for the majority of the quarter, but when Panther Valley did, Tamaqua continued playing good defense. After dominating the fourth, Tamaqua came out with the 39-31 win over the Panthers.
After being down nearly the entire first half, Tamaqua was able to battle their way into the lead. Overall the game was well-matched and engaging. The leading scorer of the game was Maddison Maynard of Panther Valley with fourteen points. With this win, Tamaqua secured their spot in the Schuylkill League Playoffs. They will face Minersville, this Saturday, at 3:00 pm at Martz Hall. Both Panther Valley and Tamaqua have secured their spot in the District 11 playoffs that will occur later in the month.
