The Vernon Panthers opened their junior girls basketball season with a 40-16 win over the host Salmon Arm Jewels Friday.
The Panthers were down 8-4 after a nervous first quarter, but gained confidence coming out of the initial break with a full-court press, allowing the Jewels an average of only three points in each of the remaining quarters. Player of the game Taryn Kreeft had a game-high 12 points along with three rebounds, while Brianna Falk contributed nine points, including one trey.
Megan Wiebe recorded eight rebounds, three steals and four points, and Reilly Lorenson and Mikaela Pfannschmidt also chipped in four points apiece, with Pfannschmidt grabbing four boards. Wynne Kanester and Maria Durfeld led in steals – intercepting the Jewels five times each – with Kanester adding four assists.
Co-coaches Howie Falk, Michele Wiebe and Clint Kanester were impressed by the Cats’ defence and the team’s ability to spread out the scoring.
