The Miami Trace Panthers closed out the regular season with a 61-49 victory Friday night over cross-town rival Washington Court House.
Poor shooting and 10 turnovers left Washington Court House in a 30-17 first half hole they couldn't dig out of. The Blue Lions shot 25% in the half going 6-24, knocking down 2 three's. While the Panthers shot 42% in the first while hitting 4 three point shots.
Washington battled back late in the game but were unable to cut the lead any closer than 10 points.
The Blue Lions finished the night shooting 19-51 for 37%, they made 4-14 three point shots for 28.5% and 7-13 from the free throw line for 54%. They were led in scoring by Senior Kory Proby's 13 points, 8 of which came in the final period. Jarrett Patton and Kenny Upthegrove each added 9 and Evan Upthegrove finished with 8 points.
Washington Court starts tournament play on Tuesday facing Circleville in the Boys Div. II Sectional at Southeastern High School at 6:15 p.m. Buckeye Country 105.5FM/iHeartRadio broadcast start will be 6:05 p.m.
Miami Trace finished the night shooting 21-48 for 44%, they were 7-17 from behind the arc for 41% and made 12 of 17 free throws for 71%. They were led by a balanced scoring attack. Tyrae Pettiford had 15 points, Deandre Pettiford and Blake Pittser finished with 12 points and Darby Tyree had 11.
Miami Trace plays again next Saturday in the Div. II tournament awaiting the winner of the Washington/Circleville game.