Magnolia’s Dyun Long is taking nothing for granted and only looks ahead to the next opponent on his schedule.
The next battle for the Panthers come tonight when they host the Hamburg Lions at Panther Arena.
“The thing I like about this team is these young men like each other and geniunely pulls for one another. If we keep this up day in and day out, and keep getting better, we are going to be alright,” said the Panthers’ head coach.
Long added, “It’s been a fun ride so far and let’s hope we can keep it going.”
After soundly beating Camden Fairview Tuesday night, the Panthers are alone in first place of the 4A Region 8 Conference standings.
The Cardinals are second, while Monticello is third, Warren fourth and Star City sixth.
Tonight’s opponent, Hamburg, has only one win in league play along with the Crossett Eagles.
The Panthers have reeled off six consecutive victories, averaging nearly 60 points per contest. Magnolia’s lowest scoring output of the season was a 43-30 victory over Star City.
Twice to Nevada and a double overtime setback to Ashdown are the Panthers only defeats so far.
The two-point loss to Ashdown is the Panthers’ only home loss and Long said, “I like our chances when we play at home.”
Hamburg enters tonight’s game with back-to-back league losses to Monticello (55-46) and Crossett (50-48). The Lions also lost 71-53 to Star City, but defeated Warren 83-74 for their only conference win.
Other league games tonight include Star City at Camden Fairview and Warren at Monticello. Crossett is off tonight and will play Tuesday at Star City.
4A Region 8 standings (boys)
Magnolia...................................11-3, 4-0
Camden Fairview........................7-8, 3-1
Monticello.................................10-6, 3-2
Warren........................................8-5, 2-2
Star City......................................9-8, 2-3
Hamburg..................................9-10, 1-3
Crossett......................................6-9, 1-4
Coach Donnell Ford said his Lady Panthers must learn to finish strong in big games, something its wasn’t able to do against Camden Fairview and Star City.
The Lady Panthers’ two league loss have dropped them down to the middle of the conference standings in the No. 4 slot.
The Lady Lions are winless in league action and won only two games so far this season.
For the most of the game, the Lady Panthers held their own against the conference leaders.
“We get the lead down and then turn the ball over,” said Ford. “We miss chances at critical times and that has to stop.”
Prior to the Lady Panthers playing the Lady Lions tonight at 6, Magnolia’s 7th grade boys and girls will play their Red-White games beginning at 5 p.m.
Each game will consist of a 20-minute running clock.
4A Region 8 standing (girls)
Camden Fairview......................15-3, 4-0
Star City....................................16-3, 3-1
Warren........................................8-3, 3-1
Magnolia.....................................8-7, 2-2
Monticello...................................7-9, 2-4
Crossett....................................11-7, 1-4
Hamburg..................................2-16, 0-4