Panthers down Rockets again

BURLINGTON JCT., Mo. — For the second time this season, the West Nodaway boys’ basketball team came up short against Mound City, losing 63-48 Friday night after falling to the Panthers, 56-55, in the Mound City Tournament title game back in early December.

It was a close game until Ben Shifflett hit a pair of third-quarter three-pointers to add give the Panthers some separation.

Mound City jumped out to a 21-13 first quarter lead, but the Rockets cut to within three, 29-26, by halftime. A 20-point third frame gave the Panthers a 49-37 lead heading into the final stanza.

West Nodaway (16-7) cut the Panthers’ lead to six with 1:50 to go, but Mound City hit free throws to seal it.

Senior guard Trevor Meyer led the Rockets with 25 points while junior forward Blake Farnan added 15. Dylan Honea paced Mound City with 19.

Big second and third quarters from the Lady Panthers led to a 73-31 loss for the Lady Rockets (0-21).

West Nodaway held tight, 14-9, after one, but Mound City exploded for 29 second-quarter points and added another 20 in the third quarter to keep the Lady Rockets from ever threatening.

Senior guard Melody McGinness led West Nodaway with 11 points and senior forward Alyson Dye added nine. Emily Wedlock scored a game-high 18 to lead Mound City.

West Nodaway plays at South Holt Monday night before closing out the regular season at Fairfax on Friday, Feb. 20.