Panthers Win Title With Victory Over Crenshaw

On Friday,, the Peninsula Panthers Junior Varsity Boys Team took on Crenshaw High School in the Championship Game of the El Segundo Holiday Tournament.

Peninsula started the game exchanging baskets with the Crenshaw team, and both teams came out ready to play. Peninsula started with their high-intensity pressure full-court defense, and soon Crenshaw began making numerous unforced errors.

Peninsula led at the end of the first quarter 22-14. The second quarter was a continuation of the first, and prior to halftime Crenshaw cut the lead to nine before Grey Goodman drove the lane and made a running jump shot as time expired giving Peninsula a 44-33 edge.

Peninisula came out after halftime and continued on with the high pressure defense, and Crenshaw began to show fatigue as more unforced errors began to lenghten the Peninsula lead. The Panthers held a 66-51 lead going into the fourth and final frame, and Peninsula continued on with the full-court pressure. Crenshaw attempted to battle the pressure, but in the end Peninsula's unrelenting pressure got the best of Crenshaw and Peninsula won the championship game 87-68.

Peninsula was led by sophomore Kurt Milch who had 22 points, Milch was also named to the All-Tournament team, junior Donte Buchanon added 19 points and was named Tournament MVP, junior Fola Saliu added, 12 points and sophmore Grey Goodman contributed 10 points. The Panthers had a very balanced attack and received contributions from the entire team.

The Panthers now prepare for the Bay League opener on Tuesday at the Peninsula Panther's Gym against a very good Redondo Union team. The Panthers hope to see you there!