WILLIAMSON, W.Va. – Maroon prevailed at the Williamson Fieldhouse Thursday night. However, the team wearing the winning maroon this time was not the Williamson Wolfpack.

The Pikeville Panthers out-shot and out-rebounded the homestanding ‘Pack 63 to 48 in prep action last night. On a cold night outside, the Panthers were red hot on the court jumping out to a good lead early against the Wolfpack, which they never relinquished.

Spurred by the play of guard Matt Clevenger, the Panthers got an early lead during the first quarter as they raced out to a 13 to 7 lead. Clevenger scored 8 of his game leading 21 points in the first quarter.

Going into the second quarter of play the Wolfpack began to get a better handle on their shot selection, with Chris Hatcher and Nick Lee each providing four points to the cause. The Panthers still outscored the ‘Pack 18 to 9 in the quarter and took a 31 to 16 lead into the dressing room at halftime.

One problem which plagued the Wolfpack in the first half was the fact that both Jarrid McCormick and Hatcher wound up in foul trouble, forcing Wolfpack Head Coach Curt Fletcher to substitute earlier than he would have liked.

“That was a problem but, that’s part of the game. When you’re called to sub you have to do the job and that’s again a case where we’re beating ourselves by not getting the job done in that area.” said Fletcher after the game.

Another problem for the Wolfpack that plagued their first quarter game was their shooting percentage and shot selection. Fletcher noted that to be a continuing problem for his club. “We hit those spells where we can’t score. It seems like we shoot about whatever the temperature is outside and right now that would be probably around 15%.” Fletcher commented. “We’re playing hard – we just keep shooting ourselves in the foot. The other teams are not beating us – we’re beating ourselves.”

Center Chris Hatcher, who continues to develop into an inside force for Williamson, led the second half effort, gaining 7 of his game high 13 points in the second half, mostly off of put-backs from offensive rebounds.

“I’ve said all year that Chris is a real warrior inside for us and continues to get better.” Fletcher said in talking about his big center. “If everybody played as hard as Chris, we might come out on the winning side of the ledger a little more often.”

The Panthers outscored the ‘Pack 14 to 11 in the third quarter to hold the lead at 45 to 27 going into the final frame.

In the final period of play, Williamson outscored the Panthers 21 to 18. The scoring effort in the fourth was led by Michael Davidson and Bobby Hurley, who each scored 6 points in this quarter. The final score was 63 to 48, with Pikeville winning by 15.

“Anytime you come and play Williamson in the Fieldhouse, it’s a tough game.” said Pikeville Coach Bart Williams. “Coach Fletcher’s got these kids playing hard, even though there a young club right now. We’re very fortunate to sneak out of here with a 15 point win and we’re glad to take it.”

Williamson, now 2- 8 ,returns to home action tonight against the Gilbert Lions, weather permitting.

Score by quarters:

Pikeville……………..13 18 14 18 - 63

Williamson……………7 9 11 21 - 48

Pikeville: Matt Clevenger 21, Noah Hamilton 10, Patrick Keene 9, Anthony Evans 8, Gatlin Clark 7, Tyler Baker 2, Noah Hamilton 2, Cecil Layne 2, Wes Rowe 2.

Williamson: Chris Hatcher 13, Bobby Hurley 11, Jarrid McCormick 8, Michael Davidson 6, Nick Lee 4, Alex Anderson 2, Nick Turner 2, Chuckie White 2.