Panthers win UCB Tip-off Classic
By JARED PUTNAM

Michael Ross was named MVP of the tournament.

The Panthers kicked off the 2006-2007 season by defeating Lumpkin County and White County, a pair of victories that earned the team it's first trophy of the year in the United Community Bank Tip-Off Classic.

"It's a testament to these kids," said Head Coach Tim Hunter. "Ultimately they are wanting to win and they are wanting to be coached hard and be pushed. That makes all the difference right there. This is a good crop of kids. They are one of the best group of athletes we have had, but also one of the best groups of overall young men."

The Panthers were first matched up against a Lumpkin County squad that boasted size and hustle. "We had a lot of first game jitters. We played really hard but we didn't necessarily play well. That was basically the theme of the entire tournament," said Coach Hunter.

Still, the Panthers looked strong in the match, controlling the entire game en route to a comfortable 67-53 victory. Michael Ross led the team with 25 points. Corey Garrett added exclamation marks to the offensive production, slamming home a pair of dunks during the game.

Corey Garrett was named to the All-Tournament Team.

The championship game against White County posed a more difficult challenge, but one that the Panthers were ready for, as Union came out on top 52-48. Ross scored 20 points, bringing his total for the tournament to 45, while Garrett brought his total to 25. Ross was chosen Most Valuable Player and Garrett received honors on the All Tournament Team.

"White County is a tough matchup. They are extremely quick and extremely athletic," said Coach Hunter. "In both games we didn't necessarily put them away when we needed to, when we had the opportunity to really slam the door, but I never felt like the outcome of the games was in doubt."

Coach Hunter said that despite inconsistent offense, the Panthers were able to stay in the game due to consistent defense.

"We played defense and rebounded so hard, which keeps you in every ballgame. Your offense comes and goes but your defense can keep you in games. We're making a lot of strides. The thing about playing

good team man-to-man defense is it's not something you learn in a year. You really have to get your program established. The strides they have made have really been great."

The 2006-2007 Panthers varsity basketball team. Back row (L-R): Head Coach Tim Hunter, Ian Thomas, Colton Payne, Taylor Neely, Caleb Kelly, Kody Owenby, Corey Garrett, Michael Ross, Coach Carson Turlington. Front row (L-R): Josh Colwell, Cody Adams, Ryan Burks, Matt McCombs, Austin Collins, Josh Dyer.

The coach said that in any case it was nice to win the tournament, even without the team playing it's best game right now.

"In both games we executed fairly poorly, but you don't

want to be playing your best basketball in November and December. You want to be focusing that towards the end of the year."

Coach Hunter said that while he is happy that the team took home a trophy this early, the true goals that the team hopes to achieve are set much higher. "I want them to be proud of

their accomplishments and what they have done, but at the same time I don't want them to be satisfied. You always want them to be hungry," said the coach.

Ryan Burks beats his man for the layup.

"I'm still very proud of what they did, but the focus wil be hanging a banner here. It's just such a major accomplishment to be able to do that, it's our biggest focus this year."

The cheerleaders show Panther power. Corey Garrett and Michael Ross with their awards.