
ROME — NEB rode a hot shooting first quarter to a 64-31 win over Tunkhannock in girls’ basketball action Thursday.
Four different Panthers hit double figures on the day as they scored 24 points in the opening frame.
“It felt good to be back playing, a week with no games seems like an eternity,” said NEB coach Ben Beebe. “I was really happy with our energy tonight at both ends of the court. We were very aggressive going after rebounds and loose balls.”
The Tigers beat NEB last year down at their place, but struggled to keep up with the Panthers.
“It always helps when you shoot well,” added Beebe.
Lillie Maynard had a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards to go with six steals, and four assists, as Leah Beebe added 12 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Lilah Hughes finished with 10 points, five rebounds, and three steals, with Becca VanDeMark also getting 10 points and three assists.
Emma Neuber netted nine points to go with six rebounds, as Lani Thomas had five points and six boards.
Katrina Russell finished with four points as Mallorie Maynard rounded things out with two.
Laurianna Alston led Tunkhannock with 11 points.
NEB hit seven fields in the opening quarter, led by seven points from Lillie Maynard, and five out of Neuber, to take a 12 point lead at the first horn.
They added 16 more points in the second quarter to open up a 40-18 lead at the half. Hughes had two 3-balls in the frame while VanDeMark netted five points.
NEB kept it going with an 18-point third quarter as Beebe led the way with eight points, putting them up 58-24 going into the final frame.
NEB won the JV game 44-18 as Kara Dughi, Mallorie Maynard, and Russell had 12 points each.
NEB (4-3) will hit the road for their next game as they travel to St. John Neumann on Saturday.
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PHOTOS BY TINA MAYNARD