By JASON KING
Leader sportswriter
Inspiring sub play lifted the Cabot Panthers to a dramatic 63-61 win over Beebe on Friday night. The Badgers spent three quarters building a steady lead, and extended that lead into double digits halfway into the fourth quarter.
“Give Beebe a lot of credit,” said Panthers coach Jerry Bridges. “They probably outplayed us. We stepped up our defensive intensity at the end. We were down 10 or so there with three minutes to go, so we were pretty fortunate to win it.”
Bridges’ frustration with the defensive efforts of his starters came to a head late, as Darin Jones, Paul Ford, Kai Davis, Christian Armstrong and Patrick Martin came into the game to replace the senior starting five. Jones, the 6-1 sophomore, scored a pair of critical baskets.
“Those guys really sparked the team,” Bridges said. “They were a big reason why we were able to come back.”
Adam Sterrenberg led the Panthers with 22 points and four steals. Miles Monroe added seven points and nine rebounds, while Austin Johnson and Jack Bridges each added seven. Bridges led in assists with eight, and Gary Clark finished with seven rebounds.
For Beebe, Zach Kersey led with 25 points. Will Scott had 12, and Anthony Forte 10.
The Panthers are 8-2, and will begin tournament play at Ft. Smith in the Coke Classic Monday at 4:15 p.m. against Subiaco Academy.
