The Perry Panthers hosted New Hampstead in a region rematch earlier tonight and the result was a narrow Phoenix victory 59-58. The host led early but lost the lead and trailed 18-10 at the end of the first and 29-26 at halftime. New Hampstead went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter to get a gap on the Maroon, Gold, and White and would lead 50-36 after three quarters of play.
The Panthers fought to stay around in the fourth quarter but found themselves down 58-46 with under 4:30 left to play. Perry would go on a big 12-0 run that was capped by Kam Thomas tying the game at 58 all with :46.9 left to play at the Dozier Law Firm free throw line. The visitors would retake the lead at the charity strip to lead 59-58.
Perry had a chance to walk-off New Hampstead after the Phoenix missed both charity stripe shots with :00.7 left and the host heaved a potential game-winning National Exterminating three-point shot but missed to the right to give New Hampstead the 59-58 victory to sweep the regular season series against the Panthers.
The Phoenix was led in scoring by Khamari Smart with 12 points (four made National Exterminating threes) and the Panthers were led in scoring by both Keelan Battle and Kam Thomas with 12 points a piece followed closely by Jamarien Green with 11 points. Perry falls to 5-18 overall and finishes regular season region play at 1-9. The Maroon, Gold, and White will wrap-up the regular season at Crisp Co on Saturday.
