Jordan Chandler commands the offense for Panthers win

By Team Reports Feb 7, 2024, 3:59pm

Recap: Morehead Panthers vs. McMichael Phoenix

There's no place like home for the Morehead Panthers, who bounced back after a tough loss on the road last Tuesday. They enjoyed a cozy 84-67 victory over McMichael on Friday. Given Morehead's advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 161st, while McMichael is ranked 388th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Morehead got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Jordan Chandler out in front who scored 22 points along with six assists and six rebounds. As a matter of fact, that's the most points Chandler has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Makel Smith, who scored 23 points along with seven rebounds and three steals.

McMichael's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Isaiah Belcher, who scored 17 points. Brayden Dalton was another key contributor, scoring 15 points.

Morehead's win bumped their record up to 12-7. As for McMichael, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost ten of their last 12 contests, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-15 record this season.

Morehead will be playing at home against T.W. Andrews at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. T.W. Andrews has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games. As for McMichael, they will head out on the road to square off against Walkertown at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Averaging 68.6 points so far this season, Walkertown's high-powered offense has been in full-swing lately, so McMichael better be ready for a challenge.