Due to a loss against Saddlebck last Friday, the Orange Panthers were elminated from the playoffs. However, in their second to last game of the season, the Panthers defeated the Segerstrom Jaguars Monday evening. 

The game remained close in the first half. The Panthers had secured a 24-19 lead going into half time.  At the start of the third quarter, the Panthers jumped right into a full court press as they focused on increasing their lead against the Jaguars.  Both teams fought to score 16 points apiece to leave the Panthers with a five point lead going into the fourth. 

With the Jaguar cheerleaders and fans screaming “DEFENSE” at every Panther possession, the game quickly gained intensity and momentum as the Jaguars did what they could get back in the game.  Jaguar sophomore guard Travis Williamson helped lead his team with his scoring and defensive awareness.  In addition, Anthony Shephard assisted with a three point play: he was fouled on a shot and added an additional point by making his free throw.

In the latter part of the fourth quarter, the Panthers continued to lead over the Jaguars as they played forcefully on offense and defense. 

“The big thing we were focusing on was keeping them from offensive rebounding” Panther coach Greg Abercombie commented.  “We went for high percentage shots, not quick shots.”

This plan for the Panthers was evident as they appeared strong on both ends of the court.  Towards the end of the fourth, the Jaguars began fouling in hopes of gaining possession of the ball. Regardless of the effort that Segerstrom put forth to close the gap in scoring, the Panthers went home victorious with a 55-43 win.

Mike Ielome led Orange in scoring with 15 points, in addition senior Joseph Vargas had 12 points and senior Eric Arriaga contributed 11.

For the Segerstrom Jaguars, Jason Alvarado put 14 points on the board while Williamson had 11 points.

For their last game of the 2006-2007 season, the Orange Panthers will host Ocean View, Wednesday evening at 7pm.  Also Wednesday at 7pm, Segerstrom will play away verses Saddleback.

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