File Photo - Riley Dever Photography
The Dawson Springs Panthers put an end to their three-game losing skid Thursday night, but it was anything but easy. Montgomery Johnston’s two free throws in the final seconds turned out to be the difference as the Panthers completed a fourth quarter rally and snuck by the Cardinals 87-85 in Smithland.
Livingston Central got off a shot to try and win the game but Mason Hargrove’s 3-pointer at the buzzer was just off the mark.
Bryson Walker got off to a big start for the Cardinals and Livingston Central went 7 of 7 at the free throw line in the opening quarter on the way to a 31-22 lead. Walker had 13 points in the first eight minutes of the game.
The Panthers got the Livingston offense slowed down in the second quarter and worked their way back to within one at the break at 45-44. Easton Bourland had 21 at the half for Dawson Springs.
Just as it looked like the Panthers had things going their way, the Cardinals came out hot to start the second half. Livingston Central knocked down five threes in the third as the Cardinals pushed the lead back out to 72-65 heading into the final quarter.
Led by Montgomery Johnston, the Panthers then came battling back to get the hard-fought win. Johnston scored 13 points in the final quarter, including going 6 of 6 at the free throw line in clutch time to help the Panthers take the win.
Johnston finished the game with 28 points. Rex Blue hit seven 3s and ended up with 25 points. Easton Bourland added 21, all coming in the first half of play.
Logan Wring had a big second half for Livingston Central and finished with 33 points. Bryson Walker added 32 points and Mason Hargrove had 11.
Dawson Springs (15-12) is back in action Tuesday night when the Panthers host Apollo.
