Panthers Defeat Mounties in Double-Overtime Thriller

BARNES ON THE JUMPER. Pierson Barnes (white jersey) shoots a jump shot in the Panthers’ win over Southmont Saturday night. (photo submitted)

The Riverton Parke boys’ basketball team won a thriller of a Homecoming game beating Southmont 70-65 in two overtimes Saturday night.

Riverton Parke jumped out to an early 14-4 lead and held a 14-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Southmont outscored Riverton Parke 19-13 in the second quarter and the game was tied at 27 at halftime. Both teams struggled to add any points in the first half of the third period. The Mounties made a three-point basket from past half court to end the quarter up 40-35.

Riverton Parke scored the first six points of the fourth quarter to retake the lead 41-40. Riverton Parke maintained its lead until the final shot of the fourth period as Southmont made a three-pointer to tie the game at 51 and send the game to overtime.

The teams matched each other score for score in the first overtime and the game headed for a second overtime period tied at 57. Riverton Parke led 66-65 with under a minute to play in the second OT and pulled away in the final minute.

Brandon Hazzard scored 10 of his team high 22 points in the overtime periods. Pierson Barnes was also in double figures with 16 and Hayden Gilstrap scored 10 points. Logan Harrison and BJ Hopton each had seven points and Alex Atkinson had six.

Southmont won the junior varsity game 47-44.

Riverton Parke (7-7, 2-1 in the WRC) will play at North Central Friday, January 24.