By GREG MENGELT
Still, few expected the Panthers to upset first-place Brownstown Central. After all, this is the same Corydon team that lost five of its first seven games this season.
But it’s really not the same team. Several pieces have returned for the Panthers and it showed when they handed the Braves their first conference loss, 92-78 for the Hoosier Hills Hoops Boys’ Win of the Week.
“At the beginning of the season, we didn’t have Tyler (Fessel), Anthony Martin (shoulder) or Jalen Fowler (should),” Corydon third-year coach Joseph Hinton said. “We weren’t at 100 percent, but since the PSC Tournament (Dec 28 & 29), the boys have figured out that defense is how we’re going to win ball games.”
Austin Vaughn led the Panthers with 19 points, Martin and senior Owen Shireman scored 18 apiece in the win with Fessel adding 16. Senior Bryce Weber had 13, giving the Panthers five players in double figures.
The Panthers had 28 assists on 36 baskets.
“Everybody eats right now,” Hinton said. “We’re looking like the team I thought we had the potential to be. Brownstown is a really good … but the boys went out and executed.”
The Sectional 30 field was already loaded with North Harrison (11-3), Scottsburg (9-6) and defending state champion Silver Creek (6-8) in the field. You can add Corydon to the list of serious contenders.
“Our sectional’s going to be tough,” Hinton said. “North Harrison is ranked ahead of everybody right now. They’re obviously the sectional favorites. Silver Creek just added a transfer to an already good team. They’re going to be tough to beat. Scottsburg is so talented, so big and have the ability to shoot. I think our sectional going to be exciting. We might be able to make some noise. It’s going to be one of better sectionals around to go to.”
Hinton’s Panthers go to Austin (3-9) on Thursday evening and Paoli (7-7) on Saturday afternoon.
