The Cumberland Gap Panthers and the Claiborne Bulldogs met for the first time this season on Friday, December 10, and it was an exciting night for fans throughout the county. The Bulldogs had a fast start on the Panthers, outscoring them 21-13 in the first quarter. But the second quarter was different. The Panthers scored 27 points in the second, and by halftime they had cut the Bulldog lead to 1 point. The third quarter was all Panthers, outscoring the Bulldogs 25-12, and the Bulldogs were unable to overcome this deficit in the fourth, only making up two points on the Panthers. The final score was 87-77 Panthers. The Panthers shot an outstanding 73 percent from the 2-point range, and an overall 59 percent. Coach Sherrill King said that this is the most points scored by his team this year.

Leading the way for the Panthers was Javan Crockett with 23 points, followed by Andrew Fultz with 22. Barry Brooks contributed 16 points and Jory McFall 11. Other Panthers scoring were Tyler Brim, 8; Joey McFall, 3; A. J. Fultz, 2; and Clay Bisceglia, 2. Tyler Brim also had 9 assists and 5 steals. Scoring for the Bulldogs: Josh Estes, 25; Andrew Nichols, 23; Dustin Poore, 10; Matt Reece, 7; Jeff Poore, 5; Brian OâDell, 4; Matt Reece, 4, and Zack Maples, 3.

The Lady Panthers were not as fortunate in their outcome against the Lady Bulldogs. The score at the end of the first quarter was 17-7 Lady Bulldogs, and by halftime the score had been increased by 5. The Lady Panthers were also outscored in both quarters of the second half- 15-6, and 16-14. Final score was 63-37 Lady Bulldogs. The Lady Panthers were led by Kim England with 8 points, followed by Brandie Combs, 7; Sara Barnard, 6; Whitney Vannoy, 5; Jessica Weaver, 3; Allison Campbell, 2; Jennifer Pace, 2; LaShonda Gibbons, 2; and Amy Seal, 2. Whitney Parkey led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points, followed by Katie Smith, 8; Bonnie Debusk, 8; Ashley Short, 8; Lisa Johnson, 6; Michelle Simmons, 6; Kealey Bundren, 6; Chelsea Pressnell, 4; Tosha Hatfield, 4; and Amy Redmond, 1. The next matchup between these teams will be on the Bulldogsâ court on January 28, 2005.