The Miami Trace Panthers took the lead last night at 3-2 just seconds into the ball game and didn't see the lead again until the 3:10 mark of the third quarter.
Tough defense and good shooting in the first quarter helped the McClain Tigers take a 15-8 lead to start the game. From that moment on the Panthers outscored McClain in every quarter. McClain took a 27-22 lead into the half. McClain shot 48% in the first half, shooting 12-25 but were just 1-6 from the free throw line. Miami Trace shot 35% in the first half but knocked down 4-9 three's to cut the halftime deficit to just 5.
The Panthers outscored the Tigers 14-7 in the third quarter to take a 36-34 lead going into the final period behind timely shooting from Miami Trace Seniors Cameron Carter and Darby Tyree, each finishing the night with 21 points. McClain's Sophomore point forward Dalton Mischal had to leave the ball game in the fourth quarter after injuring his ankle and it seemed to take some life out of the McClain team as Trace went on to outscore them 18-12 to finish the game 54-46 giving the Panthers their first win of the season.
Miami Trace (1-4) finished the night shooting 18-45 for 40%, they were 5-13 from behind the arc, shot 12-21 from the free throw line and committed thirteen turnovers, but only four turnovers in the second half. They were led in scoring by Carmeron Carter and Darby Tyree's 21 points a piece.
McClain (1-3) finished the night shooting 37% on 17-46, they were 3-18 from behind the arc for just 17%, shot 7-16 from the charity stripe and committed 19 turnovers. They were led in scoring by Ethan Cockerill's 15 points and Devin Carter chipped in with 11.