Prospects cage Panthers 16-13

By ADRIENNE ANDERSONMarch 11, 2014

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(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT BENNING, Ga., (March 12, 2014) -- Teamwork was the difference between winning and losing for the Prospects Saturday, when they played against the Panthers at Santiago Gym in the 9- to 10-year-old Child, Youth & School Services basketball action.

Ultimately, the Prospects won 16-13. Prospects' coach James Harris said the Panthers were the toughest team they faced.

The Prospects trailed 6-3 at the end of the first quarter. Their only score - a 3-pointer made by Donyae Frazier.

The Prospects came back to tie the game 8-8 at the end of the first half when Donyae, the Prospects leading scorer, hit a basket at the halftime buzzer.

Both teams had trouble turning rebounds into points and the Prospects missed opportunities to score from long passes that went out of bounds.

"We practiced making that long pass ... you gotta get the kids, especially at this age, to keep their heads up," he said. "If they keep their heads up we could make layups all day. The two guys (Donyae and Austin Fox) that were throwing the ball - I am trying to teach them to throw chest passes so the ball can stay low and it will bounce at least once."

The teams were neck-and-neck, tied at 10-all, near the end of the third quarter, with both scoring only two points with less than a minute to go.

Both teams fought hard in the last quarter to come out on top, but Jaquan Clark helped solidify the Prospect's win with a three-point shot.

Devryn had a game-high 11 points in a losing effort for the Panthers, while Donyae led the Prospects' with 6 points.

While many teams rely on their best players, Harris said he focused on making his kids good as a team.

"He's real fast ... that's why I stay on my kids while they are practicing (so) they don't lose attention because he is one of those basketball players that will keep the game going," Harris said.