By BRANDON SUMRALL | For the Reporter

CLANTON – The Pelham Panthers improved to 2-0 against the Chilton County Tigers this season and gained some confidence going into area play thanks to a strong road win on Friday, Jan. 4, picking up a 59-37 victory.

Points were at a premium for both teams to start the game as each got off to a slow start. Adi Argent got the game started with a three for the Tigers but that was quickly answered by a pair of free throws from Emma McKenney.

Another basket by Argent along with three points from Kiara Steele, and the Tigers took an early 7-3 lead. A late basket from McKenney cut the Tiger lead to three, as Chilton County held an 8-5 lead after one period of play.

Trailing by one early in the second quarter, a 3-point basket from Laci Gogan gave the Panthers their first lead of the game. With Pelham leading 14-12, a free throw from Kaylyn Tomlinson made it a three-point lead while kicking off a 5-0 run by the Panthers.

A basket by Marlie Giles ended the run but was answered by one from McKenney. The teams then exchanged another pair of baskets before the first half came to an end with the Panthers leading 22-16.

An opening second-half basket from Argent pulled the Tigers to within four but a long dry spell by the Tigers saw Pelham go on a 9-0 run that pushed the visiting Panthers way out in front, 31-18.

An old fashioned three-point play by Steele put an end to the Pelham run but the large lead remained predominately intact as the Panthers took a 41-31 lead to the final period of play.

Giles started the fourth with a 3-pointer for the Tigers which was followed by a basket from Steele that made it a five-point game with 6:18 remaining.

However, a three from Gogan and a basket from McKenney followed the Tiger baskets and began an 18-1 Pelham run that saw the Panthers come away with a 59-37 win over the Tigers.

McKenney led the Panthers with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Steele led the Tigers with 13 points and 11 rebounds.