Basketball Recap: Hancock Drops Season-High Score on Paw Paw

Hancock scored the most points they've had this season on Monday, but it wasn't enough. They fell 76-66 to the Paw Paw Pirates. While losing is never fun, the Panthers can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 268th in Maryland, while the Pirates are ranked 98th in West Virginia).

Several Panthers players turned in solid performances despite ultimately coming up short. Perhaps the best among those players was Jacob Anderson, who posted 19 points and six boards. What's more, Anderson also racked up four assists, the most he's had since back in January of 2024. Another player making a difference was Colton Welch, who earned 18 points.

Even though they lost, Hancock smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive rebounds. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive board total in three consecutive matchups.

Hancock's defeat dropped their record down to 2-5. As for Paw Paw, they moved to 2-6 with that victory, which also ended their five-game losing streak.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. A feisty cat fight will be fought when the Hancock Panthers take on the Union Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. As for Paw Paw, they will head out to face off against East Hardy at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Paw Paw is facing East Hardy at the right time seeing as East Hardy is stuck on a four-game losing streak.