By Bill Garrett, Sports Editor
November 25, 2009 — It has been a rough emotional week for the Panthers. And even more so for Foyil’s boys head coach Jason Ward.
Ward’s wife, Colleen, passed away last week. As a show of love Ward’s players wore headbands. The headbands read in memory of Colleen Ward.
With their angel above them the Lady Panthers took to the floor to open the 2009-10 season.
In a game that looked like it was their first, the Foyil girls team scratched and clawed to a 47-43 overtime win over South Coffeyville.
The Lady Panthers, who won only two games last year, battled poor shooting and turnovers to get the win.
They shot 17-41 from the field and committed 30 turnovers during the game.
“This group works their tails of to get better,” head coach Brad Jordan said.
“The have great attitudes and they want to get better,” he added.
The Lady Panthers were down six at the half. And didn’t see their first lead until the 5:52 mark of the third quarter at 29-27.
The fourth quarter was a see saw battle with the lead changing back and fourth.
Foyil found themselves down quickly. As the Lady Lions scored first in overtime.
The biggest lead the Lady Lions could muster was two points.
But with 38 seconds to go Brittany Snyder took control. Her two pointer tied the score at 52 apiece.
With just 17 seconds left she scored again to give the Lady Panthers a 54-52 lead.
Snyder then added two free throws with just seconds on the clock to give Foyil a 58-53 win.
Foyil 58, S. Coffeyville 53
1 2 3 4 OT F
SC 12 15 11 8 9 53
Foyil 7 14 15 8 14 58
Boys
The Panthers battled the much larger Lions. And after taking a 14-11 first quarter lead they fell behind at halftime 19-27.
Just at the moment it appeared Foyil was going to be run out of the gym. They began a slow, but steady comeback.
They drew within eight as the fourth quarter began at 31-39.
Cole Clausen’s steal with 7:09 left in the game cut South Coffeyville’s lead to 33-40.
Dakota Chaiss hit two free throws and Foyil had pulled to within five, 35-40.
Brett Moore’s three and a two pointer by Chaiss had the Panthers within one.
Foyil stayed within two as both teams traded baskets. But a Foyil turnover with 38 seconds left allowed the Lions to score and obtain some breathing room at 43-47.
“I haven’t been around much and we are still learning, but the kids hung in there and gave us a chance to win,” Ward said.
S.Coffeyville 47, Foyil 43
1 2 3 4 F
SC 11 16 12 8 47
Foyil 14 5 12 12 43
