Bullard Panthers lose to Pirates in playoffs

Above, Raymond Cooper takes it straight to the goal for two points. At right, Chris Manning takes a shot for two in the face of the Pirates.

WILLS POINT - Someone had to lose Thursday night and the Pirate fans let you know it was not them. When the final buzzer rang, the scoreboard revealed the 52-43 loss for the Panthers.

"We had a great year," Coach Ryan Tomlin said, "Many people thought we wouldn't be in a position to make it to playoffs, but the boys did a great job of protecting the tradition we started."

In the four years coach Tomlin has been coaching the Bullard boys they've made it to the playoffs every year and that's a tradition to protect.

After ending the first quarter trailing by five the boys worked hard in the second period to even the score.

In the final seconds Lance Anding drove down center court to score the 2 points the panthers needed to go into half time tied.

Bullard led the third period though once the final quarter began the Pirates couldn't be held back.

The Panthers were desperate for a basket and just as Lance Anding once again drove up center court for 2 more points a charge was called against him and the points void. Turnovers, traveling violations and fouls from the Panthers gave Crandall the advantage.

-- Bullard Banner photos by Kelly Griffith

Lance Anding led scoring with 12 points; Austin Camp followed with 9; Raymond Cooper, 8; Andrew Barron, 4; Chris Manning, 4; Josiah Rosebury, 2 and Charlie Moore, 2.

Coach Tomlin has high hopes for his team next season, now that the boys have a taste of playoffs. "We are a young team and looking forward to a great future." Tomlin said. "They're great kids."