News, Sports

Panther boys on winning streak

Hancock’s boys’ basketball team has roared ahead in mid-season play on the momentum of three back-to-back victories on the court.

Last Thursday, January 23, the Panthers beat Faith Christian Academy 60-58 in a game that kept both teams vying for the win. Hancock was one point behind the Falcons in the first quarter, and fell two more points by the end of the second quarter, but never gave up on their push for the win. The Panthers put 16 points on the board in the third quarter, pushing out ahead of the Falcons and held onto their lead with an iron grip as both teams scored 17 points in the final quarter. Jacob Anderson led Hancock in scoring with 22 points and Hayden McCarty put 12 points on the scoreboard, while Ethan Hill, Tucker Welch and Colton Welch each added 8 points for the win.

The following night, the Panthers led a hometown charge against Shanksville Stonycreek, winning 73-40. Hancock took the lead with 16 points in the first quarter and never looked back, outpacing the Vikings consistently as they drove for the basket. Sophomore Hunter Kerns led Hancock in scoring with 20 points. Tucker Welch put 17 points on the board and Jacob Anderson added 16 points, with every other player adding to the final score with goals.

Tucker Welch brings the ball down the court for the Panthers.

On Monday, Hancock cinched a third win, this time on the road against Calvary Christian Academy, 59-41. The Panthers started off with 10 points in the first quarter, 17 in the second, 15 in the third and finished strong with 17 points in the final quarter. Colton Welch led scoring for Hancock with 14 points, but again each Panther contributed to the scoreboard for the final win.

The Panthers will travel to Northern Garrett tonight, Wednesday, January 29 for a rematch against the Huskies, starting at 7 p.m.

Jacob Anderson keeps the ball away from the Shanksville Stonycreek player on Friday, January 24. photos by Lori Younker