LANDER — The Panthers competed in the 1A West Regional Basketball Tournament in Lander Feb. 27 through March 1. They went in as the No. 1 seed from the Southwest. Their first game was against the fourth seed from the Northwest, the Riverside Rebels.

The Panthers came out strong and dominated the first three quarters. Although Riverside tried to make a run in the fourth, the Panthers were able to hold on to their lead and get the first round win, 72-48.

Justin Moyes had 20 points with a 90% field goal percentage, 100% from the three-point arch and 8 of 9 from the free throw line. Joey Thomas and Blaze Plowman had 10 points each, followed by Ammon Hatch who was 3 of 4 from the three-point arch to add 9 more. Dash Nate added 9 to round out the top scorers for the Panthers. Kayson Walker had 5 rebounds, followed by Moyes, Plowman and Himmerich with 4. Moyes had 3 steals. Thomas had 5 assists, and Hatch had 4.

This win advanced them to the semifinals against the Farson Pronghorns. These two split the regular season with each grabbing a win at home. It was a battle. The score was tied at the end of one 13-13.

The Panthers were able to take the lead in the second to go into the half up 30-24. The Panthers had a strong third quarter and finished it off in the fourth to get the win 59-47.

Leading the Panther scoring were: Moyes with 13, Hatch with 12, Plowman with 11 and Nate with 10. Moyes pulled down 9 rebounds followed by Walker and Plowman each with 7. Walker had 5 steals followed by Hatch and Plowman with 4 each. Moyes had 5 assists.

This win put them in the championship game against the Rattlers of Little Snake River. The Panthers came out strong in the first quarter and maintained their lead to bring home the championship 52-34. Moyes had 17 points and 9 rebounds. Nate had 10 points. Hatch had 6 assists and 3 steals. They will travel to Casper for the 1A State games beginning on Thursday. Their first game will be against Niobrara at 8:30 p.m.

The Lady Panthers also took first place at the regional tournament. They began their quest for the title with the St. Stephens Lady Eagles. The Lady Panthers dominated the contest, winning 67-39.

Addison Barnes had 18 points and 6 steals. Mia Dayton had 11 points and 7 assists. Ainslie Himmerich had 10 points and 4 rebounds. Bailey Bird pulled down 4 boards. Rachel Thomas had 6 steals and 5 assists.

This win advanced the Lady Panthers to the semifinal game against the Lady Pronghorns of Farson. This was a battle throughout the game, but it was the Lady Panthers who outlasted the Lady Pronghorns winning, 41-32. Mia Dayton had 15 points. Barnes had 14 points, 12 rebounds and 5 steals. Bird pulled down 5 rebounds.

The championship game was a battle of the orange and black as the Lady Panthers faced the Lady Huskies of Burlington. There were multiple lead changes throughout the game, but the Lady Panthers were able to hold on to get the win, 61-55.

Barnes had 23 points and 7 steals. Madi had 12 points with 3 assists. Thomas had 11 points and 4 steals. Mia Dayton added 10 more with 8 rebounds.

They will begin their quest for the state title by facing Niobrara County. The game is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday.