By Shannon Fagan, WEIS Sports Director
SAND ROCK – When a team is undefeated, sometimes it’s hard for a coach to find things to work on.
But that’s not the case with Spring Garden boys coach Levi Hatcher.
His latest point of emphasis with the Panthers? Their mindset.
“We tried to make it a point last night (against Faith Christian),” Hatcher said. “We were a step behind last night and it seemed like we were OK with that. Tonight (at Sand Rock) it seemed like we were a step ahead and we were OK with that. I said it’s all about your mindset.”
The Class 1A No. 4 Panthers’ mindset was a defensive one on Friday. They held Sand Rock to just four first quarter points and 10 at the break. Spring Garden went on to post a 57-34 victory at improves their record to 15-0.
“We knew they had some good players. They’ve got some guys who can score and really shoot it. We were able to come out and hold each of their main threats to a field goal each and 10 points (at halftime),” Hatcher said. “They can score 10 points in a minute it seems like sometimes. We really felt like that set the tone for the team and how the game went for us. We came in a with a good mindset after last night.”
Leading the Panthers, like most nights, were the Welsh twins John and Jake. John posted 16 points and 12 rebounds. Jake collected 15 points and 11 boards.
The Panthers also had a bit of an outside game working as well. Connor Bates and Noah Barber both connected on a pair of treys and finished with nine and seven points respectively. Jaylen Brown had five points.
Spring Garden built a 19-4 advantage at the end of the first quarter and led 31-10 at halftime. The Panthers held a 47-19 edge after three quarters.
“I thought our effort was good tonight. We set the tone,” Hatcher said. “It seemed like we rotated well, boxed out well. The key to them (Sand Rock) is they’re going to get shots. They’re going to make shots, but the ones that they miss you’ve got to limit the second chances they get. We did a good job of finishing each possession.”
Jonas Browder topped the Wildcats with 12 points, including a pair of treys. Ty Traffanstedt tallied eight points and Will Cleere finished with six points.
Spring Garden travels to Gaylesvlle on Monday. Sand Rock hosts Cedar Bluff on Tuesday.
