January 5, 2019 - After falling behind by as many as 15 points in the first half, Panola mounted a huge comeback to win a 79-77 thriller on the road at Region XIV foe Lee College. After starting slow, Panola was able to chip away and went into half down 42-36. The two teams traded blows in the second half with the lead never getting higher than 6 points. Panola took their first lead of the game at 77-74 on an And-1 by Franklyn Penn with just under 30 seconds to play. Lee came right back and hit a 3 to tie things up with 9 seconds to play. The Ponies inbounded to Tylan Dean who missed but Kamari Brown was able to secure the offensive rebounder and swish a 15 footer with just under 2 seconds to play. Lee’s desperation attempt from ¾ court did not come close and the Ponies escaped with the win. Lenell Henry led the way for Panola with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Tariq Simmons had 15 points and 4 assists. Tylan Dean and Franklyn Penn rounded out the double digit scorers with both totaling 10 points.
Earlier in the week, Panola returned from Christmas break and won handily with a 95-55 final over Central Baptist JV. Franklyn Penn led the Ponies with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Lenell Henry added 17 points and 5 rebounds. Keiondre Jefferson chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Tylan Dean also hit double figures with 10 points and 4 assists.
The Ponies return to action Monday at home vs Blinn College. Tip is at 7pm.
