The Pampa Lady Harvesters (0-4) fell to Panhandle on Tuesday afternoon in their home opener.
“Panhandle applied non-stop pressure,” Head Coach Clint Watson said. “They kept pushing us to near midcourt to start the offense. They are a well-disciplined team. They block out and rebound the ball well. This game will help us in District on how to handle the pressure and counter-attack it.”
Despite the loss, Watson added it was nice to be in front of the home fans after three straight road games.
“It always feels good to play at home,” Watson said. “Anytime you don’t have to ride the bus, is always a plus. McNeely Field House is a special place.”
Senior Berlin Bartlett led the team in scoring with 13 points with one 3-pointer and was 3-4 in free throws.
“Berlin is a special player,” Watson said. “She’s a 4-year starter. She’s like having another coach on the floor. Her tenacity and determination sets her apart from other players.
“She can shoot well, drives the lane well and plays just as hard defensively as she does on the offensive end.”
Along with Bartlett, senior Cambree Dyer had two points; senior Briley Daniels had two points; junior Heiley Guerra and sophomore Makenna Kotara had a free throw. As a team, the Lady Harvesters shot 4-11 from the stripe.
The competition won’t lighten for the Lady Harvesters, as they welcome another perennial powerhouse in the Texas Panhandle Saturday when they host Gruver.
“Gruver is always tough,” Watson said. “They will play hard-nosed, man-to-man defense. They are relentless. They are another well-coached, disciplined team. Coach Lankford does a really good job with them.”
Game time is 2 p.m. at McNeely Fieldhouse.
