The Pana Panthers's recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Thursday after their ninth straight loss. They fell to North Mac 48-43. While losing is never fun, Pana can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Illinois basketball rankings (they are ranked 528th, while North Mac is ranked 261st).
Pana's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Joey Laker, who scored 14 points along with six rebounds. Those six rebounds set a new season-high mark for her. Ryleigh Casner was another key contributor, scoring eight points.
Pana has fallen quite a ways from their 24-10 record last season and are now at 2-14. As for North Mac, the win (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 10-3.
Pana's road trip will continue as they head out to face PORTA/Ashland-Chandlerville Central at 7:30 p.m. on December 21st. PORTA/Ashland-Chandlerville Central will be coming into the match with an undefeated record on the line. North Mac won't have much time to rest: their next match is against Pawnee at 3:00 p.m. on December 22nd. Pawnee's defense has only allowed 24.8 points per game this season, so North Mac's offense will have their work cut out for North Mac.
