(February 23rd, 2015) – STRYKER: Monday night’s match between the BBC’s Stryker Panthers and the visiting NWOAL Vikings of Evergreen set the stage for a dynamic offensive showdown. The Stryker boys were determined on a win after Saturday’s loss to Ayersville at home.
Stryker’s formidable offensive scored early and fast; Tanner Clingaman would be the first to score, sinking a three-pointer with ease from the outside. Sophomore Brody Shock would answer Clingaman’s shot with a three of his own. The Panther’s defense aided in the early point parade; a steal by Austin Grisier turned into a quick-driving layup. Parker Ruffer’s towering 6’5” stature plowed through the Viking defense, consistently adding two-points. By the end of the first half, the Panthers had accumulated 40 points against the Viking’s 13 with Clingaman and Ruffer leading in points, totaling 22 points altogether.
The second half of the game saw a resurgence of Evergreen’s offense; senior Chad Maseman had a highlight third quarter, accumulating 11 points for the Vikings alone. Despite the revitalization, the Stryker boys never found themselves flat-footed; the Panthers would retaliate with 15 points of their own.
With the score at 55-32 going into the fourth, the Panthers were set up for victory; however, the Vikings wouldn’t go down without a fight. Evergreen’s offense may have outscored Stryker’s by 12 in the final 8 minutes but the drive would ultimately prove ineffective. The Panthers were pronounced victorious at the final buzzer with a final score of 68-57.
Stryker’s notorious offense was fueled by both great shooting and defensive turnovers. Parker Ruffer would lead in total points for the evening at 23; teammates Tanner Clingaman and Brody Shock also contributed 18 and 9 points respectively. Tallying 16 out of 24 from the free-throw line in conjunction with a staggering 17 turnovers further aided in the Panther’s dominance over the Vikings.
