Box Score The Panthers are back. The return of the Panthers. And last but not least, Panthers win. The Baltimore City Community College Panthers returned to competition after 3 years of being out and won their first basketball game. They defeated the Warriors of Mount Zion Prep 92-80. The game was played at Community College of Baltimore County Dundalk, as part of their annual jamboree. The event kicks of the start of the regular season and is an opportunity for teams to compete against schools in the region at one location.
The new Panthers were ready to run and run they did. They immediately showed the competition and the Maryland Junior College Conference that the team is built for speed. They raced out to a 15 point lead in the first half thanks to the hot hand of Alfred Carter. Early on he demonstrated an ability to create his own shot from the top to the sides of the circle. He lead all scorers with 32 points which included five three pointers.

Joining Carter in the double figure category was fellow Freshmen Wendall Tomlin with 15 points and 8 rebounds and Sophomore Carson Smith, who scored 14 points with quick flashes to the basket. Although the team was outsized in the middle, they found a way to spread the defense just enough to open paths that lead to layups - that were not always easy and without a doubt acrobatic and fund to watch. In the second half, the team kept the pressure on Mount Zion by contesting every shot and showing why coaches always preach "hands up". The hands created tips and turnovers that resulted in points.

First year Head Coach, Thelanious Prioleau or Coach TJ as he prefers to be called, made sure that his team was ready for the battle. He told the team "we have a target on our back because of the history of the BCCC Panthers. They dominated in the past and now teams are looking for an opportunity to beat us and exact some revenge". That message was enough to keep the intensity high throughout the game.  The Panthers lead throughout most of the game. However late in the second half the Warriors began to cut into the lead and get as close as 6 points. A timely time out and the Panthers regrouped. They held off the Warriors charge by causing turnovers with a defense that always seemed to be in the face of the person with the ball.

Director of Athletics, Dr. Pope, spoke to the team after the game and also reminded them of the legacy they would be responsible for upholding. He said "We represent the City of Baltimore like no other college in the city. We are the Panthers of Baltimore and that means something to a lot people. Represent yourselves, your family and the institution that is now part of your journey to success. After what I just witnessed and the way you applied your basketball IQ and willingness to win, I know the Panthers are back".
The team is new, competing in their first competition. Many of the Panthers were getting their first taste of collegiate level basketball and they were excited. Coach TJ has put together a squad that plays basketball like they are in the park, maybe even Druid Hill Park. They are fun to watch and watched they will be, as they are the new Panthers of Baltimore City Community College.
 
Their next game will be Sunday November 6, 2022 against Lackawana Community College as part of the Jamboree at CCBC Dundalk. Game time is 5:00 pm.