By ALEX DRISKELL / Special to the Reporter

COLUMBIANA – The Pelham Panthers took on the Shelby County Wildcats in a Nov. 12 match-up, which was the season opener for both teams. Shelby County showed tough grit in the showdown, but it was Pelham who walked away with the 58-48 win.

The first quarter of play started fast and furious, as both teams implemented an up-tempo style of play, with the Panthers taking an early 13-7 lead. Shelby County was able to counter with a 4-1 run to end the first quarter of play as Pelham took 14-11 lead into the second quarter.

The second quarter saw a change of pace as both teams slowed things down a bit, and as the pace slowed so did the scoring. Early on Shelby County was able to muster a little offense as they held a 19-18 lead. Scoring really never got going for both sides, nevertheless the Wildcats took a 24-23 lead into the half.

Both teams came out of the half playing very sluggish, as neither team could get anything going offensively. Then Pelham cranked up the scoring, going on 15-8 run making the score 38-32 with 3:16 left in  the third. Shelby County was able to cut the deficit to 42-37 going into the fourth.

Shelby County was able to go on a 3-1 run to start things off in the final quarter of play taking a 42-40 lead with 6:54 to play. Pelham then scored five straight points, but Shelby County answered with four of their own holding a 46-45 lead late. Sloppy play doomed the Wildcats as Pelham then proceeded to rattle of a 13-2 run to take the 58-48 win back home.

Alex Reese had 25 points and Cole Whitman added 17 to lead Pelham. The Panthers moved to 1-0 on the season while Shelby County fell to 0-1.