Kyle McCullugh, #4, goes in for two despite a crowed field, with teammate # 15 Nicky Johnson also in the mix. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.
Ray Lee, high scorer for the Panthers, takes the ball through traffic in the third period, going for a score. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.
Kyle McCullough, #4, gets around a Streator Bulldog on his way for two. –Photo by Jim Piacentini.

By Jim Piacentini

On Friday, December 15, in a home conference contest against the Streator Bulldogs, the Panthers came up short, 43-51.

The game started off very tight, with each team exchanging baskets, and the first quarter ended with Manteno leading 12-7. The second started like the game itself and, at the half, Manteno was down by one, 19-20.

The Bulldogs were hot to begin the third, and it just continued, as they outscored the Panthers 31-24. The Panthers could not get any closer, in addition to getting into foul trouble – and that was the game.

Ray Lee, with 17, led the Panthers, while Jason Brown scored 12, and Aidan Dotson finished with 7.