Saratoga deals loss to Wildcats

On Friday, the Saratoga Panthers were able to hit the road despite the winter weather as they crossed the border into Walden, Colorado to face the North Park Wildcats. Not only did the Panthers beat Old Man Winter, but they also dealt a loss to North Park.

“I was pleased with how the boys played Friday,” said Jason Williams, head coach of the Panthers. “Walden can be a tough place to play but the boys came out and played with good energy and executed well.”

It would appear that both elements helped Saratoga dominate the Wildcats’ court on Friday. Senior Logan Seahorn led the Panthers against North Park with a total of 16 points and 4 steals, followed by junior Teegan Love with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Junior Noah Rimmer scored 12 points against the Wildcats and had 5 rebounds and junior Gavin Bartlett had 7 assists and 3 steals.

The combined effort of Saratoga gave them a 43-point lead against the Wildcats with a final score of 68-25. A win on the road for the Panthers may be just what they need as they prepare to host more conference rivals this weekend with the Cokeville Panthers and the Farson-Eden Pronghorns.

“Anytime you can get a solid win like that, it is a good thing,” Williams said. “I wish the starters could have had some more court time but it was good experience for the younger guys.”

Following the Friday win on the road, the Panthers are 9-1 for the season and 0-1 in conference play. They will return to conference play as they host Cokeville on Friday and the Pronghorns on Saturday. Williams already has his expectations set for the weekend.

“Two tough, physical games from two very solid and well coached teams,” said Williams. “Every conference game is going to be important to every team and we are going to have to be mentally prepared for two tough games and to work hard for the entire time.”

Tip off against the Cokeville Panthers will be at 4 p.m. on January 24 and Saratoga will host Farson-Eden beginning at noon on January 25 at Saratoga Middle High School.