Rough Start Dooms Chargers Against Panthers

Varsity Men's Basketball : Massaponax Panthers vs. Chancellor Chargers

Monday night's match-up between the Chancellor Chargers (3 - 4) and Massaponax Panthers (8 - 0) seemed like everything would fall the Panthers' way early on as they dominated in the first quarter. The rest of the game turned out more equal, as the Chargers would end up losing 51 - 66.

The game started out with 12 unanswered points for the Panthers, who tore apart the Chargers defense that came out a bit slow. The Panther's Number 5 got the scoring going early, with five by himself straight to start the game. The Chargers on the other hand would have to wait 5 minutes and 41 seconds before they hit their first successful field goal. At the end of one, the Chargers were looking at a terrible deficit with the score 25 - 4.

The second quarter would feature a more consistent Chargers shooting, as they shot better from all sides of the court. E.J. Jenkins started off the scoring with a quick and easy 3-Pointer that set a new tone for the Chargers offense. Robbie Foster would feed off that energy, as he collected 6 straight points to help the Chargers attempt to make a comeback. The Panthers wouldn't let up though, continuing to have a defense that forced many turnovers and prevented any easy shots for the Chargers. Going into halftime, the Panthers still led big 39 - 18.

Coming out of the half, the Chargers remained consistent and started to get some help from Jenkins who had a rough first half with only 3 points. The Panthers would come out opposite though, with 5 early turnovers that helped the Chargers build some momentum and tighten the game with 6 unanswered points. Jason Brown also showed more of a presence, collecting a majority of the 10 total rebounds he recorded in the game during the third quarter. The Chargers showed a stronger presence, but still trailed 52 - 37.

The last quarter featured another quarter where the Chargers seemed to match the Panthers' offense, as both teams put up 14 points. The Panthers got most of their points at the free throw line in the final minutes, however. The Chargers were unable to keep up with the Panthers, and the harsh first quarter became even harsher as it showed to be the thorn in the Chargers' side that night. The final score would be Massaponax 66 Chancellor 51.

Overall in the game, the Chargers showed consistency with rebounds which is something they've done all game. Brown and Jenkins would combine for 22 rebounds on the game, who both led all players. The Chargers have fallen below the .500 mark, but it was a tough start to the season that they will come out of looking good. Their next game will be in January, against Mountain View.

Notables

• Field Goals : Massaponax - 52% (17/33), Leader was No. 5 who shot for 57% (4/7). Chancellor - 54% (15/28), Leader was Robbie Foster who shot for 71% (5/7).
• 3-Point Goals : Massaponax - 29% (6/21), Leader was No. 3 who shot for 38% (3/8). Chancellor - 21% (4/19), Leader was E.J. Jenkins who shot for 43% (3/7).
• Free Throws : Massaponax - 79% (15/19), Leader was No. 5 who shot for 89% (8/9). Chancellor - 71% (10/14), Leader was Josiah Jones who shot for 100% (2/2).
• Rebounds : Massaponax - 16 Total (6 Defensive, 6 Offensive). Chancellor - 31 (18 Defensive, 13 Offensive).
• Turnovers : Massaponax - 11 Total, 2 in first half. Chancellor - 13 total, 9 in first half.