The Paint Branch varsity boys’ basketball team took their 4-5 record to Springbrook High School on Wednesday, February 8^th to take on the 7-1 Blue Devils.  The Panthers put up a good fight but could not, ultimately, keep up and fell 64-55.

The first quarter got off to a slow start as Springbrook moved out to a seven point lead over Paint Branch.   Panther seniors Douglas Gardner and Armando Nwizu both used their towering height to take advantage of getting rebounds, and this kept PB close.  With this strong inside play, the Panthers stayed within four and found themselves trailing only 31-27 at the end of the third quarter.

It wasn’t until the fourth quarter that the game started to take a roller coaster ride of emotions for both the players and fans.  Springbrook looked strong to start the quarter and Paint Branch found themselves down by thirteen.  However, when the pressure is on, the Panthers play to their standards and step up their game. Senior Reuban Edwards took the lead and played a smart game.  Edwards drew a Blue Devil foul and made them pay with free throws.   After making both, fellow senior Drew Jacobs hit a three pointer pulling the Panthers to within eight points. Unfortunately, that is as close as PB would get as the Blue Devils made some late plays to hold on for the win.