The Dawson Springs Panthers are headed to take on the favorite in the Boys 2nd Region All A tournament. The Panthers overcame an early deficit on the road Friday night and knocked off the Fort Campbell Falcons 82-73 in an All A regional quarterfinal game played on post.
The Falcons seemed in control of things early. Fort Campbell, behind the play of Jordan Clark and Austin Mergele got out to a 21-11 lead after the first quarter. The pair combined to score 15 of the Falcons 21 first quarter points.
In the second quarter, the Panther defense clamped down on the Fort Campbell offense, while the Dawson Springs offense roared to life. With Justin Putman scoring 12 points in the quarter, Dawson Springs outscored the Falcons 24-10 to take a 35-31 lead at the half.
The two teams went toe-to-toe during the 3rd quarter, neither team able to take control of the game. Both the Panthers and the Falcons scored 15 points in the quarter, and the game entered the final quarter with Dawson Springs clinging to a 50-46 lead.
Cameron Johnson tried to help lead the Falcons back into the lead, putting nine points on the board in the 4th quarter, but it was not to be. The Panthers knocked down free throw after free throw down the stretch to seal the win. Dawson Springs shot 30 free throws in the final quarter, connecting on 22.
Cameron Johnson led the Fort Campbell effort with 20 points, while Jordan Clark added 16. Landon Pace led five Dawson Springs Panthers in double figures with 20 points. Justin Putman added 18, while Braylon Colton chipped in with 15.
The loss drops the Falcons to 2-9 on the season, while Dawson Springs improves to 4-10. The Panthers advance on to Saturday’s regional semifinals to take on the UHA Blazers.
