Roundup's newest Panther delivered when her team needed it most on Saturday night.
With Roundup trailing visiting Forsyth 32-26 with 90 seconds to play, Tia Stahl ignited a run to spark the Panthers to a 33-32 win over the Dogies in a Class B girls basketball showdown in Roundup.
Stahl, a senior who moved from Winnett-Grass Range after last season, hit a runner from the right block, followed by a jumper from the foul line to pull the Panthers within two, 32-30, with a minute left on the clock. After a defensive stand, Roundup's Cate Cota hit a reverse lay up to tie the game with less than 30 seconds to play.
Forsyth again couldn't convert on the offensive end and was whistled for a loose-ball foul, sending Bella Klein to the free throw line for a one-and-one with 4.4 seconds left and a chance to put the Panthers ahead. Klein hit both, though the second was negated due to a lane violation. A desperation heave from the Dogies misfired, allowing the Panthers to escape.
Roundup had led for the majority of the game, save for a brief period in the second quarter when Forsyth took the lead. Roundup led 16-14 at halftime and 26-23 entering the fourth quarter. Forsyth opened with nine points in the first 4:15 but didn't score over the last 3:45 leading to the Panthers' furious comeback.
Stahl had 11 points to lead the Panthers and Blythe Sealey added eight. Klein's only point was the game-winning free throw. Hein led all scorers with 14 points.
The Roundup boys made it a Panther sweep on Saturday night. After leading 27-18 at halftime, Roundup blew the game open in the second half. Constant ball pressure led to turnovers and transition baskets for the Panthers as they rolled to their first win of the season, 62-39.
Foryth led 9-6 after the first quarter, but Roundup out-scored the Dogies 43-21 over the second and third quarters to essentially put the game to bed by the final frame.
Jace Lemmel led Roundup with 17 points. Kaide Griffith's 13 points and Michael McHenry's 12 rounded out a balanced attack for the Panthers.
Roundup is back in action on Tuesday against Winnett-Grass Range. Forsyth is off until next Saturday when the Dogies will host the Panthers in a rematch.
