OBSERVER Staff Report

FORESTVILLE — After a 70-44 win over Pine Valley a day prior, the Forestville Hornets found themselves locked in a 30-30 tied game at halftime against one of the top teams in the state, the defending Section VI, Class D champion Panama Panthers. The Hornets just weren’t able to close out the rest of the contest, as Panama outscored Forestville 32-19 in the second half for a 62-49 victory in Wednesday’s non-league boys basketball game at Forestville High School.

“We’ve had two great games in a row. They’re paying attention to the small things and they’re making the nessecary changes in the game,” said Forestville coach Jon Feniello of his team.

Forestville (3-5) scored 19 points in the second quarter to tie the game at the break, but the Hornets’ defense was what stood out to their coach.

“Defensively, we played a solid game. We did a good job containing (Cameron) Barmore. … We had some solid rotations on defense,” said Feniello.

While Barmore was contained for stretches of the game, the leading scorer in Section VI still managed 31 points on the night, matching the rest of his team. He also added 13 rebounds, six steals and four blocks. Panama (9-0) also got 17 points from Connor Cooper, while Braden Cook and Gerrit Hinsdale each had six points. Panama also won the JV contest by a score of 42-29.

Forestville was led by Javier West with 13 points, along with seven rebounds, five steals and four assists. Gavin Christian and Dalton Hastings each had 10 points, while Jake Smith had nine points and 11 assists. Hastings also had four assists, while Michael Palmer had six rebounds.

Each team has a league matchup on Friday night. Forestville is at North Collins, while Panama hosts Westfield in a battle of undefeated teams fighting for first place in CCAA Division 2 West.