Panthers Beat Class 6 Second-Ranked Team
South Iron went into CBC High School on Saturday, Jan. 30, and came out with one of the biggest upsets of the year in Missouri, or so you would think. The Panthers, who are ranked first in Class 1, beat the second ranked team in Class 2 38-35.
Was the game an upset? If you ask the South Iron team, their answer will be a resounding, “No.” The Panthers are ready to take on all challengers. They expect to win and have a proven roster full of winners.
CBC is a program with multiple NBA ties. Larry Hughes Jr. (son of 13-year NBA veteran Larry Hughes), is the team’s leading scorer at 16.9 points per game. They are led by Justin Tatum, father of St. Louis basketball legend and NBA All-Star Jayson Tatum. They also just graduated Caleb Love, the number two point guard in the country, according to 247 Sports, and sent him to the University of North Carolina to play under NCAA basketball royalty. Yes, of course we mean, Head Coach Roy Williams.
CBC is 10-2 on the season after Saturday. Their losses are to perennial St. Louis High School Basketball powerhouse Chaminade…and South Iron.
South Iron has a 15-3 on the season and have won their last seven games in a row. Their losses this season are to Helias Catholic High School, Cardinal Ritter and Vashon.
The Panthers fell behind early, but played their brand of basketball, stuck together and pulled out a win. South Iron trailed 4-13 after one quarter of play. At the break, the Panthers were behind 15-23. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Panthers trailed 27-31.
Drenin Dinkins finished with a double-double. He pumped in 16 points to lead the offense. Against CBC he grabbed 15 rebounds at only 5’11 showcasing his nose for the ball and desire to win at all costs.
Jermarco Burse scored 11 points. In the second half, he leaked out for a dunk to tie the game and take control of the momentum. Burse blocked two shot, pulled down six rebounds and had one assist.
Brock Wakefield scored eight points and had one rebound and one assist. DJ Prater pulled down eight rebounds and scored point.
Champ McMurry scored four points and had one assist and one rebound.
