The Panthers boys basket­ball team nearly pulled off the big upset but instead will have to settle for a 1-1 week to ad­vance to 7-7 on the season.

Playing at a .500 level, Pla­no East was able to open the week with a commanding win over Plano by a score of 70-43. It was one of the complete per­formances of the season, with five different Plano East play­ers scoring in double figures. Connor Johnson and Damion Gunnels each had 14 points, followed by Muizz Qazi with 11. Deuce Hardison and Isaiah Brewington each had 10 points apiece as well. The Panthers used a 26-7 run in the third quarter to get the win in what was one of their best perfor­mances of the entire season.

They followed the win up against one of the best teams in the district, Coppell. The game saw Plano East go at it with the second-best team in the district standings and winners of five straight. Ultimately, the Pan­thers came up just short, and the Cowboys won 60-54 in overtime.

For the full story, see the Jan. 14 issue or subscribe online.

By Kyle Grondin • [email protected]