SENECA — Building some momentum after a brutal loss to Rock Creek, the Concordia High School boys basketball team defeated NCKL foe Abilene and non-league Nemaha Central, to move to 16-4 on the year.
Versus Nemaha Central, the Panthers won 71-50.
Concordia held the early advantage, as the often electric Panther offense was a tad slow on gaining points, but things would pick up down the stretch as the Panthers led 17-9 after one quarter.
The second quarter saw the same close back-and-forth action that the first quarter saw, as the Panthers were able to maintain their lead and build it entering halftime with a much-needed 33-25 advantage.
Nemaha Central would put the pressure on the Panthers, outscoring them 17-16 for the third quarter, keeping the pressure on with gritty offense, with Concordia leading by a slim 49-42 lead.
The Panthers put the game away in the fourth quarter in a big way, outscoring the Thunder 22-8 for the quarter, creating breathing room, and were then able to pace down the stretch for a much-needed victory going into the regular season finale on a 71-50 win.
Ayden Krier led in scoring with 27 points, five rebounds and a steal.
Chane Parker had 16 points, eight rebounds and a block.
Boone Richard had 10 points, two blocks and a steal.
Versus Abilene, the Panthers won 77-53.
The two NCKL teams locked horns early, with both teams going back and forth throughout the opening quarter. Abilene would make it an 11-10 Panther lead, but a Brandon Vignery three to end the quarter gave the Panthers a 14-10 lead.
Abilene would keep the game close to open the second quarter, and even took the lead 19-18, but the Panther offense would catch fire, going on an 18-5 run to lead 36-24 at halftime.
Concordia continued to put their foot on the gas in the third quarter, doubling the Cowboys’ scoring output 32-16, to effectively put the game away early as the Panthers would lead 68-40 entering the fourth quarter.
Letting the reserves get some quality playing time in the fourth quarter, the Panthers were able to coast their way to a nice bounce-back NCKL victory to help build some momentum as they hunt for a deep postseason run.
Ayden Krier led in scoring with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals.
Isaias Irigoyen had 15 points, five rebounds and two assists.
Boone Richard had 14 points and two steals.
Chane Parker had 11 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
