The Powell High School girls’ junior varsity basketball team capped off its strong season in February with a split of the final two games, narrowly losing to Lovell 39-37 before defeating Cody 48-40.

In Lovell the Panthers fell behind early 12-4 and trailed 12-8 at the end of the first quarter.

A stronger second quarter allowed the Panthers to rally and take the lead 24-16 at the halftime break.

In the third quarter the Panthers struggled to score again as the Bulldogs cut the lead down to one heading into the fourth quarter.

In the fourth quarter the Panthers were unable to score down the stretch and Lovell converted free throws, while stopping Powell from scoring in the final minute to hold on for the 39-37 win.

Ava Teten led with seven points, Leah Graham and Jesi Agee each had six, Sam Edgell and Veronica Kovach had five and Kaedenze Carter and Kindyle Floy each had four.

In the final game of the season the Panthers went to Cody, trailing 31-26 at the halftime break.

Powell took advantage in the third quarter and went on a 14-2 run, before  finishing strong in the final quarter behind its defense to earn the 48-40 win.

Carter led with 12 points and Teten added 10 as the other Panther in double figures.

Hali Hancock had six, Shelby Zickefoose added four, Kovach, Floy and Maddie Valdez each had three, Agee, Graham and Edgell each had two while Autumn Kidd had one.

“It was very fitting that all 11 girls that suited up for us scored in the final game of the season as we have gotten great contributions all year from everyone,” coach Troy Hildebrand said.

That ended the Panthers’ season with a 16-2 record overall, and a 16-1 record when all 11 of those players suited up in the same contest.

“This group had a very successful season and did a great job of very quickly blending the talents of three grades together to make our team as strong as it could be,” Hildebrand said. “Our leadership from the junior class with Hali and Shelby set the tone for us each day in practice and in the games.”

Throughout the season the Panthers received a large contribution from the freshman class, with five different players earning time at the junior varsity level.

“Each year we try to get the girls as much game time at the appropriate level as we can. This year we started with just a couple of freshmen joining the JV group and then we added three more throughout the season,” Hildebrand said. “There is always a small adjustment period but all five of them were able to step up and make positive contributions for us which is a nice sign of things to come.”

At the varsity level next year Hildebrand expects these players to step into a larger role, with three graduating seniors leaving the team with some big shoes to fill.

“Obviously with three starters moving on from our program we’ll have a number of these players that are stepping into much larger roles next year at the varsity level,” Hildebrand said. “Some of them had the opportunity to play with the varsity this year and get their feet wet but they are definitely ready to expand what they bring at that level next year.”