Similar to the varsity squad, the Powell High School junior varsity girls’ basketball team started the 2020-21 season with a 1-1 opening weekend.

On Dec. 10, the Panther JV kicked off the year with a 32-22 loss to Riverton.

For much of the game, it was tight, with Powell playing “good enough defense to keep us in the game,” coach Troy Hildebrand said. But the Wolverines went on an 8-0 run in the middle of the fourth quarter to put the game away.

Individually, Kami Jensen led the Panthers with six points. Anna Bartholomew and Gretel Opps followed behind with five apiece.

“This game was very indicative of the first game out for a JV team,” Hildebrand said. “The girls played hard and we certainly had some sparks during the game, but we just weren’t able to maintain much offensive consistency.”

A game later, the girls got off to a quick start against Buffalo. PHS opened the game on a 14-4 run, setting the tone early on.

“We were able to create some turnovers for easy baskets and the girls really passed the ball well in this quarter,” Hildebrand said.

PHS led by eight at halftime, before Buffalo cut the lead to just one heading into the final quarter. But the Panthers stood tall defensively, allowing just three points in the fourth quarter and sealing a 35-30 win.

Addy Thorington was the scoring leader in this game with 14 points, while Bartholomew and Jensen added seven and six points, respectively.

“That was nice to see at the end of back-to-back tough road games from this group,” Hildebrand said. “I was very pleased with the defensive effort in that fourth quarter.”

The Panthers return to the hardwood this (Thursday) evening with a road contest against Cody. Tip-off is scheduled for 4 p.m.