After Slow Start, Peninsula JV Boys Beat Mira Costa

Tuesday afternoon at , the JV boys basketball team had a very large game against the mighty Mustangs from Mira Costa. The Panthers were coming off their first league loss to rival Palos Verdes and it was unknown how the team would react to its first Bay League loss.

The Panthers came out a little slow and tentative but with their full-court man-to-man defense, they slowly began to hit their stride. The Panthers all year long have relied heavily on their defensive ability to change the tempo and momentum of every single game. This game would be no different.

Initially, the Panthers were a step slow and they gave up early, easy baskets to the Mustangs without much defensive pressure. Then the light came on and the Panthers man-to-man defense started to create the opportunities that were lacking in previous games.

The Panthers led after the first quarter 20-14. The second quarter began and the Panthers' defensive pressure began to take effect on the Mustangs and the Panthers began racking up turnovers and rushed shots. The bench players for the Panthers came into the game and provided an immediate spark for the Panthers with their increased intensity and in-your-face defensive pressure.

The Panthers outscored the Mustangs 26-13 in the second quarter and took a very commanding 46-27 lead at halftime. The third quarter began with a few sloppy plays by the Panthers and some missed layups when the Panthers corrected themselves and again went on a defensive mission to shut down the Mustangs.

Sophomore Cameron Tong, sophomore Matt Sinsioco and freshman Jason Burr then collectively stepped up their efforts on both the defensive and offensive ends of the floor and the Panthers were off and running again. Freshman point guard Rory Hubbard made several "ankle-breaking moves" and some nifty passes that earned him some positive cheers from the crowd. Andrew McFarland and Connor McFarland provided a much needed defensive lift and an admirable rebounding effort. The third quarter ended with the Panthers leading 68-42.

The Panthers continued their defensive effort in the fourth quarter and continued to force the Mustangs into mistakes due to their intense defensive pressure. The Panthers continued to get easy transition baskets off the Mustang turnovers and the Panthers finished the Mustangs off with a score of 84-50.

The Panthers were led in scoring by sophomore Cameron Tong, 25 points, four rebounds, three steals; sophomore Matt Sinsioco, 20 points, three steals, three assists; freshman Jason Burr, 12 points, nine rebounds; freshman Rory Hubbard, six points, five rebounds, two steals, two assists; and sophomore Jordan Hazard, six points, three rebounds. The entire Panther team contributed to this victory and it was a total team effort.

The Panthers have one game remaining in the 2011-12 season at 4:30 p.m. Thursday against a very strong and physical West Torrance team. The Panthers are now 18-4 overall and 8-1 in the Bay League and stand alone in first place. The Panthers are playing a very exciting style of basketball. If you're not too busy on Thursday afternoon, the Panthers would love to see you come out and support their efforts in pursuit of a Bay League title. You can then stay and watch the varsity teams take on the West Torrance Warriors in a game that will have playoff implications for both.

Hopefully we will see you Thursday as the Peninsula Panthers go for the Bay League crown!