KFDM COOP Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 So far, so good for Anahuac hoops squad By Robert Chambliss Correspondent Published February 2, 2009 ANAHUAC – The Anahuac Panthers’ 2008-09 basketball season has been near perfect so far. Led by second-year head coach Ben West, the Panthers have posted a 17-7 overall record, and a 6-1 record in District 23-2A, good for second place. Tuesday night, the Panthers make their bid for first place when they host district leader and longtime basketball powerhouse Kountze at 7:30 p.m. An overflow crowd is expected, so fans should plan on coming early. This year has marked a big turnaround for the Panthers, who were 9-12 a year ago. The Panthers have had to work extra hard to keep up with Kountze. The first meeting between the two was a five-point victory for Kountze; however, the Panthers are eager to take their shot at winning at home. “Kountze is a very good squad,†West said. “They beat us at their place the first time, but our team is ready for them come round two.†The Panthers’ recent past has been rocky. They have had three coaches in the past four years, and the expectations of the fans have dropped off the charts. “When I got here there was no structure,†West said. “There were a lot of kids with a lot of talent, but they were lost without a coach.†In his second year, West has already met the expectations of his parents, increased the Panthers’ overall record, and filled the stands with fans. “Our defense has really led us this year,†West said. “We are a fast team that likes to play a fast break style of basketball. We pressure the ball, cause a lot of turnovers, and score easy baskets off other teams’ mistakes.†With Kountze scheduled for Tuesday, the players are getting pumped up, especially seniors Robert Boykins and Anthony Rivon. Both Rivon and Boykins agreed they deserve to be in first place. “I’m excited to play them again,†Boykins said. “We have been waiting for this moment all year, and I think that all our hard work will pay off, and we will beat them at home.†Rivon said beating Kountze was a stepping stone to a bigger goal. “We have been preparing for this (Kountze game) all year,†he said. “However, we have also been preparing for another thing — the state playoffs.†The last time the Panthers made the playoffs was in 2003. With a couple of more wins, they will clinch a playoff spot, which will be a first for everyone on the team. “I think the hunger is growing,†West said. “They can taste the playoffs, they know it’s close. One team, one dream.â€
aTmfan06 Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 SO FAR:) After tuesday different story:) PANTHERS FAIL TO PULL IT THROUGH AT HOME!!
KHSAlum400 Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 Ready for this matchup. Leaving work early to make the trip. I'm extremely proud of our hoops team for pulling everything together and playing "Kountze Lions" basketball.
Master T Posted February 2, 2009 Report Posted February 2, 2009 Rivon is the player with the most experience. He started as a pg for Baytown Lee in his freshman and sophomore year.
Recommended Posts