ALAMO — Senior Halie Lewis showed some of her 1A Southern League Most Valuable Player abilities Jan. 20, scoring a near-season-high 25 points in leading the Panthers to a 60-32 win over league rival Tonopah.

Her sophomore sister, Kimberly Lewis, supplied 15 points and eight rebounds as the Panthers defeated the Muckers to take over sole possession of first place in the league.

Pahranagat players Traci Strong, Kennedy Huntsman and Kimberly Lewis go after a loose ball. PVHS won the game with Tonopah 60-32 and now has sole possession of first place in the league.

Bailee Hosier added 13 points and four assists for Pahranagat Valley (2-0, 16-3). Elaina Dunn led Tonopah (2-1, 3-5) with 8 points.

Alamo’s full-court diamond press bothered the Muckers throughout the first half resulting in numerous turnovers and chances for the Panthers to score points in transition.

“Our goal was to not let them get into a half-court game because we knew they have some athletes to score some points on us,” said Panther coach Amy Huntsman.

Halie Lewis had 14 of her points in the first half. PVHS also had a great advantage over the Muckers in defensive rebounds.

Huntsman said offensive adjustments made at the halftime break and switching the defense helped the team play better in the second half.

“I have great kids” she said.

The Lady Panthers have two league games this week, Friday at home against Sandy Valley and Saturday on the road at Round Mountain.

The next night, Jan. 21 a third-quarter letdown and less-than-average foul shooting hurt the Panther girls in a 51-42 non-league loss at Parowan, Utah.

Chennin Benson scored 26 points to help the Rams top the Panthers in a rematch of a game last year, which Pahranagat won in Alamo.

Parowan broke away from a 19-18 halftime lead by using a 20-11 third quarter. The Rams also made 18 of 23 free throws (78 percent), compared to 7 of 13 (54 percent) for the Panthers (16-4).

DAVE MAXWELL  |  LINCOLN COUNTY RECORD

Photo by Dave Maxwell