By GREG MENGELT
The season started a little slow for Corydon Central. The Panthers were 2-5 without their full lineup.
Following a 3-game losing streak, Corydon beat up three opponents last week to win the Perry-Spencer Holiday Tournament and earn the Hoosier Hills Hoops Team of the Week honor.
The Panthers beat Perry Central, Crawford County and Heritage Hills by a combined 48 points.
“This was some of the best basketball we have seen in years at Corydon Central,” third-year Panther coach Joseph Hinton said. “It was truly a team effort. Everyone did their job and they did what needed to be done in order to come out successful.”
The Panthers started the tournament with a 64-38 on Tuesday. Later that day, they knocked off Crawford County 61-47. The following night, Corydon (5-5) defeated Heritage Hills (5-4) 65-57 to claim the title.
The Panthers shot 51.5 percent ion the tournament, including 17 of their 45 3-point attempts (37.8 percent) and averaged 19.3 assists per game last week. They shot 54.5 percent in the championship game with 20 assists on 24 baskets. They also had just four turnovers.
“We shared the ball without discrepancy,” Hinton said. “Our defensive effort was there at all times and our decision making was at a very high level. Besides the first game, we didn’t turn the ball over much at all. We knew we were undersized and we will always be that way. In order to get extra possessions, we had to do it on the defensive end and we had to take our opportunities on the offensive side of the ball.”
Junior Anthony Martin led the Panthers at 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 2.7 assists in the tournament. Junior Tyler Fessel contributed 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Fessell had 15 points and Martin 10 in the title game.
“Everyone stepped up during this tournament and I was extremely proud of the guys and effort I saw out there on the court,” Hinton said. “No matter what happened, our guys were focused and they stayed on task. In the end, they were out there having the time of their lives, playing a game they truly love with the teammates they would lay it all on the line for. It makes you proud to be a Panther.”
