KANAB – The Pine View girls basketball team traveled to Kanab for its season opener and pulled out an eight-point victory, 54-46. In the process though, the Panthers lost starting point guard Claire Newby.
“Claire dove for a loose ball on the second possession of the game,” said Panther head coach Chris Brinagh. “She collided with another player. She stayed in the game but the next time down the floor she was in severe pain. It looks like a broken clavicle.”
The Panthers jumped out early, taking a seven-point lead at the end of the first quarter and extending that to nine at the half. Tayvia Ah Quin played out of position and shouldered much of the ball-handling duties in Newby’s absence.
“Tayvia played out of position, but played very well,” said Brinagh. “Her passing in the first half got us out to a good start.”
In the third quarter, Kanab fought back. The Cowboys put up 20 points and only trailed by one going into the fourth quarter.
“I told the girls that Kanab had good shooters and were capable of runs,” said Brinagh. “The seniors buckled down and played exceptional defense in the final quarter.”
Pine View’s tenacious defense in the fourth quarter limited the home team to just seven points and secured an eight-point victory.
“The loss of Newby hurts,” Brinagh said. “Especially because her backup, Riley Barrow, is also out right now. I told the team that everyone has to step up their game. Rachel Lusk and Saraven Allen both came in and gave us good minutes at the point.”
Pine View out-rebounded the Cowboys 40-24, including 19 rebounds at the offensive end. The Panther defense limited Kanab to 27 percent shooting from the field.
Individually, Kenya Schone led the team with 13 points. Also scoring in double-figures were Stefani Gleave and Natasha Fiame, with 12 and 10, respectively. Ah Quin nearly recorded a triple-double with 9 points, 15 rebounds and 8 assists.
“She is an all-star,” Brinagh said. “She doesn’t have to score 20 points to make a difference in the game. She played well tonight.”
The Panthers will have their home opener on Friday night when they host Springville. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
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