Box Score CHANUTE, Kan. - The high powered Neosho County offense reached triple digits in scoring for the eleventh time this season despite connecting on a season low three 3-pointers in a 100-76 win over Fort Scott Community College.
The Panthers slowly pulled away in the first half against the Greyhounds but they opened up a 33-15 lead midway through the half. Fort Scott's leading scorer Kevin House helped pull the Greyhounds back within striking distance with 16 first half points. Neosho eventually went to the lockers at halftime with a 45-37.
In the second half Neosho County began to methodically pull away with most of the damage coming at the free throw line. The Panthers shot a blistering 25 of 29 from the line in the second half to effectively put the game away.
With leading three point shooter
Jamie Batish out of the lineup for the second straight game due to illness, the Panthers looked to pound the ball inside.
Joseph Acuil,
Charles Cooper, and
Kyler Steadman were matchup problems for the Greyhounds all night as the trio repeatedly got into the paint for layups as well as causing foul trouble for Fort Scott.
The Panthers length inside also caused problems for the Greyhounds on the offensive end as Neosho County blocked 10 shots in the game. Acuil and
Henry Buckley blocked four shots each while
Brett Frantz and
BJ Jenkins each had one.
Jenkins led the Panthers with game highs for both points (23) and assists (6).
Kyler Steadman continued his stellar play in the second semester as he just missed a double-double for the second straight game. Steadman finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds to go with a pair of assists. Acuil finished with a career high 21 points on 7 of 9 shooting and connected of 7 of 8 free throw attempts.
With the win Neosho County improves to 15-1 on the season and extends their winning streak to a season long 8 games. The next action for the Panthers will be this Friday and Saturday (January 10-11) at the Coffeyville Classic. They will face Northwest Kansas Technical College Friday night at 5:00pm and Highland Community College Saturday at 2:00pm. The classic will be their final tune-up before they open conference play January 15 at home against Independence Community College on First Responders Appreciation Night.
