MONTICELLO – The Panthers got off to a strong start in Monday night’s game against the Gladiators, going on a fast paced 7-0 run after the jump ball. 

But by the end of the quarter Goshen had built a sizeable lead over the Panthers courtesy of some sharp shooting from Gladiators’ Gavin Kincade, Ethan Greico, and Sean Kelly. The first quarter would be the tell all for the rest of the game as they outscored the home team 19-9.

The Gladiators went up 34-19 but right before the half the Panthers had cut the deficit to 10. 

It was an uphill battle for the Panthers in the second half, down by as many as 18 late in the third quarter. 

Aggressive defense kept the Panthers in foul trouble, sending Goshen to the line at crucial moments during the game. With 3:14 left in the final quarter the Panthers had pulled within 11, the Gladiators holding on to a 59-48 lead. 

Despite a last-minute offensive push from the home team the Panthers fell short in their home season opener to the tune of 65-54. The Gladiators’ Jimmy Kelly led all scorers with 29. For the Panthers Jayxander Vera Soto led his team with 11, Jayden Dempey scored 10 and Daniel Weyer ended the night with 9.

 “I was really pleased with how we bounced back from Friday night’s game at Middletown. We were a bit more disciplined in our defense, and we played with greater intensity and effort. Young teams will have their ups and downs, so while it was disappointing to not get the win, I am happy that we played the way we did tonight,” shared Monticello’s Coach Russo after the loss. “The boys are coming along – we keep improving and we are going to be tough to beat!”