Staff Reports

SPRING GARDEN – Cooper Austin scored the game-winning layup as time expired, lifting the Spring Garden Panthers to a 56-55 basketball victory over visiting Handley on Monday evening.

Austin finished the game with 15 points, five assists, three steals, two rebounds and a block. Jacob Welsh led the Panthers with 24 points, 12 boards, two steals and a block. Chaz Pope delivered 10 points, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals. John Welsh finished with seven points, three boards and two assists.

Spring Garden built a 20-12 advantage at the end of the first quarter and led 31-26 at halftime. Handley surged out in front 47-40 at the end of the third quarter. Spring Garden went on a 16-8 run in the fourth for the final.

In girls action, Olivia Law posted 14 points, four steals, two rebounds and an assist to pace the Lady Panthers past Handley.

Neely Welsh added 12 points, four boards, two assists, a steal and a block. Ace Austin contributed 11 points, 10 steals, five assists, a rebound and a block. Libby Brown came away with 10 points, three steals, two boards, an assist and a block.

Kayley Kirk, Abbey Steward and Sarah Kate McKay managed six points apiece. Montana Highfield and Maggie Reedy finished with five points.

Spring Garden built a 26-6 advantage at the end of the first quarter and held a 48-10 edge at halftime.