Panther Basketball Closes Season with Victories on Senior Day
Panthers end season strong with double victory in senior Joe Blumensaadt’s final game. The Panthers looked to finish the season soundly this weekend with the final road game Friday night and final home games today in the Panther Pit!
The team has only one senior, Joe Blumensaadt, this year and he got a story-book ending: a 57-40 victory at Monclova on Friday night, the JV defeating Fairport Harbor 31-25, and the varsity win against Lake 51-45.
The Panthers flew off Put-in-Bay to Monclova to take on the Thunder f or a make-up game that was lost due to fog! The Panthers started hot and cruised to a 57-40 win. The team made a season high eleven 3-point baskets. Lear Cooks led the team with a season high 26 points and Lukas Kostura chipped in 18. The Panthers went to the hotel for the final time and enjoyed swimming at the pool. The team then got up for AM flights and a task to do. Send Joe out right!
The JV players started the action versus the Fairport Harbor Skippers girls team. Due to multiple factors, the Panthers did not field a girls team this season, but Olivia, Kate, Katie (out with injury) and Ava got to play against girls for the first time this season. “It was nice for Ava to go out and compete in a girls game,” said coach Schuffenecker, “Ava has had to battle boys and it was nice for her to demonstrate what a great female athlete she is against other ladies.” Ava did not disappoint, scoring 11 points against Fairport. She chipped in 6 in the Monclova game, and she hit a huge three-point shot in the boys game versus Lake. Ava played two full games today. The JV finally got a win this season, after being so close three other times. The JV final record is 1-4.
JV Game
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The main event was the varsity game. Lake has spoiled the last three senior days and the Panthers were not going to let that happen this year. The Panthers brought an undefeated record into the game. It started with accolades for Joe and his parents, Todd and Jen. They were recognized and have a lot to be proud of.
Coaches Schuffenecker and Goodwin then stressed just-win possession and quarters, and the end result will take care of itself. The battle was very physical, but the Panthers took advantage of Lake’s fouls and notched an impressive 22 points from the free-throw line on 32 shots. Joe Blumensaadt was able to get 4 points today. Lukas Kostura and Lear Cooks shared the scoring load by tallying 18 points each. “You don’t often get days like today,” said coach Schuffenecker. “Joe and the program have a lot to be proud of.”
The Panthers finished the year with 9 wins and 5 losses. It is the first winning season for the varsity boys team since 2017-18 season. Coach Schuffenecker has many thank-you’s for such a great season. He said, “To the Island community and friends I thank you all for helping make this season such a success. It truly took an island.”
Varsity Game
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