The first game of the season is often the toughest. Not knowing if the plays are the correct ones to use against the opponent. Taking stock of your team and their ability to perform under pressure. New coach, new players and often the result is not what one would wish. The Panther Men's Basketball team began their season this past Sunday in a loss to Maryland Junior College Conference rival Allegany College of Maryland 65-86. 

The game started fast and furiously. There were defensive stops on both ends as neither team could get into a rhythm. The Panthers made it interesting in the first 6 minutes of the first half. They played a great defense that prevented the fast guards from Allegany from getting their usual layups. In addition, some acrobatic shots by Joshua Bryant, Blake Neverdon and Carlos Green kept the Panthers in the mix. The first half ended with the Panthers down by 20.  

The second half didn't see a lot of adjustment by Allegany. They did what they do best, fast break basketball. They were able to penetrate and when that didn't work their long range shooters got hot and kept the Panthers from getting close. However, the Panthers put up a valiant effort. The second half was more competitive. The Panthers put up 40 to Allegany's 41, but the deficit was too large to overcome. 

First year coach, Montoyo Wooten was hoping for more but not disappointed. All but two of the team members are first year student athletes. The team lacks experience playing at the collegiate level. He says "they got a wake-up call and now they know what it takes to compete at this level. We will get better now that we have seen one of the best teams in the conference."  

The Panthers next game is Friday November 10 at Harcum College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania just outside of Philadelphia.  Game time is 3:00 pm.