Early in the season, Powell High School’s junior varsity boys’ basketball team has proven one thing: It’s not over until the buzzer sounds.

The Panther JV earned come-from-behind wins over Cody and Rocky Mountain last week, improving the squad’s record to 3-1. A combined three points decided the contests, but they count in the win column the same, nonetheless.

“I really think what fueled the comebacks in both games was our ability to have that next-play mentality, our defensive identity and our relentless effort not to quit,” coach Waleryan Wisniewski said.

In the Cody game, timely defense and a clutch free throw from Brock Johnson sealed a 49-48 win. Gunnar Erickson led the team in scoring with nine points, while Johnson and Trey Stenerson followed with eight and six points, respectively.

Two days later, the Panthers outscored Rocky Mountain 22-8 in the final eight minutes to win 50-48 over the Grizzlies. Keaton Rowton was the offensive leader in this game with 11 points, while Jace Hyde posted 10.

Though PHS saw strong individual performances in the wins, Wisniewski was more impressed by the team’s all-around cohesion.

“I think as a team, we are all playing for each other and the success of our team,” the coach said. “Each day we focus on a team-first attitude, and I think our team did just that when faced with adversity.”

A couple of weeks stand between the Panthers and their next game, as they have a break from school with the holidays. A rematch against Rocky Mountain on Saturday, Jan. 9 will be their next game.

While the team has shown its resilience in recent outings, Wisniewski is confident that his squad will only build on its recent success.

“Right now, it’s still early in the season and we’re still learning how to play together as a team,” Wisniewski said. “I really think that we are only beginning to see our potential as a JV team and as a boys’ basketball program.”