Davidson Panthers pounce on Marlins

They may not have won the game, but they have improved.

When the season started, “the goal was to get better,” said Destin Coach Ben Kackley. “And we have improved 110 percent.”

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Although Destin lost in the first round of the Okaloosa County Middle School Tournament to Davidson Middle 36-25, Kackley was proud of his team.

“They played their hearts out,” he said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better effort. They were really aggressive and they really turned it up.”

Destin got on the board first with a 3-pointer up the middle by Alexis Pickos. Davidson answered with seven consecutive points for a 7-3 lead at the end of one.

In the second, Davidson worked the ball inside for a couple of baskets and drew fouls for chances on the free-throw line for a 16-7 lead at the half.

In the third, Pickos popped another 3-pointer and Davidson put up seven points before Tara LaSallet knocked down a shot from underneath. The Davidson Panthers finished up the period with eight more points for a 31-12 lead.

In the fourth, the Marlins turned it up a notch and outscored the Panthers 13-5. LaSallet worked her way inside for four baskets for a 36-25 finish.

For the game, LaSallet led Destin with 10 points. Lathi scored seven points, and Pickos hit for six. Destin was one of five from the free-throw line.

Scoring 12 points each for Davidson was Gandy and Solo Pride.  Davidson was eight of 19 from the line.