The Amber-Pocasset Panthers got off to a blistering start against the Hinton Comets on Monday. The Panthers opened the game on 10-0 run and never looked back en route to a dominating 67-35 victory over the Comets.

Amber-Pocasset got major scoring contributions from several players, led by Nathan Ratcliff and Hayden Savage. Ratcliff led all scorers with 20 points. Savage finished with 18 points. Travis Clift joined the duo in double figures with 12 points. The three combined for six 3-pointers as well.

Amber-Pocasset's defense was also a major factor in their success. The Comets made just three field goals in the entire first half and reached the 20-turnover mark as well. The Panthers extended that early 10-point lead to a 30-8 advantage at halftime.

After a Savage basket early in the second half, Hinton's Cache Garrett went on a solo 8-0 run to match Hinton's first-half point total and bring the Comets to within 16.

That run was then ended as the Panthers took a 22-point lead into the fourth quarter.

The Panthers started the final eight minutes with the first of four 3-point baskets in the quarter. That came from Savage. A Ratcliff 3-point basket gave Amber-Pocasset a 29-point advantage. Clift would hit the other two for the Panthers.

The playoffs begin on Saturday for the Panthers. They will either host Boone-Apache or Navajo in the district title game.

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Panthers pounce early against Comets | Sports | chickashanews.com - Chickasha Express Star