The Russellville Panthers’ impressive 63-45 win over Todd Central Friday was not only exciting for those wearing Black and Gold on a special night at Jim Young Gymnasium, but it also has a number of positive indications for the Panthers but also for their crosstown rivals about five miles up the road.
The district victory didn’t change matchups in the upcoming 13th District Tournament. Those were decided last week when Russellville’s teams were swept by Franklin-Simpson while Todd Central was winning a girl-boy doubleheader over Logan County.
In both the girls and the boys brackets, number one F-S will play number four RHS. Logan and Todd will meet in the two-three semifinal in both genders’ divisions.
Still this win has great meaning for the Panthers. Although they have some talented athletes, this was just the fourth win in 25 starts. Yet they have been highly competitive in many games. Seven of the losses have been by single digits, including one in overtime and the other by three points to Logan and by nine in the first game against Todd Central.
The team has been short-handed much of the season. They didn’t have two starters available in the first game against the Rebels and several other recent games. Now juniors Too Two McKeage and Noah Stovall are back from injuries.
This is a very young team. Their most experienced player and leading scorer, Eli McMurry, is the only senior.
Very high in the Panthers’ assets column: this team is coached by Hall of Famer Phil Todd, who over the decades has directed Panther teams to three state tournament appearances, including two Final Fours, along with three other regional finals berths.
In Friday’s win, the Panthers played tough defense, a trademark of Phil Todd-coached teams.
Four Panthers finished in double figures Friday. McKeage scored 20, McMurry and Jamarion Gardner 13 each, and Jerius Coleman 10. Rebel star Jamison Glass scored over half his team’s points with 24.
Another positive for the Panthers is that the district tournament will be played in their home gym, beginning Feb. 26.
The Panthers have three games this week. Monday and Tuesday they will be part of home doubleheaders that will be broadcast on WRUS. Monday the Lady Panthers will entertain Fort Campbell and the boys will play Christian County. Tuesday’s opponent for both will be Allen County-Scottsville. Friday’s opponent will be defending state champion Warren Central.
Cougars earn #2 seed
A side effect of Russellville’s win over Todd is now the Logan County Cougars are officially the number two seed in the tournament. Even though they have lost their last three district contests, they have a 3-3 record in league play, The loss dropped Todd to 2-4. If Todd had won, both teams would be 3-3, and they have split their two games. The tiebreaker would have gone to the Rebels, since they have a slightly higher RPI.
The two and three seeds still have to play each other. Besides the honor of being the higher seed, the rewards for being number two are getting to wear home uniforms, being Home on the scoreboard, and maybe a choice of bench locations.
Usually the number one and four seeds in each division play on Monday night of the district tournament with two-three matchups on Tuesdays.
Girls bracket tied
With Todd Central’s win over Russellville and Franklin-Simpson beating Logan Friday, the Lady Cougars and Lady Rebels are tied with 3-3 records and a season split.
Right now, the tiebreaker for number two goes to Todd because of a slightly higher RPI in the KHSAA system.