MP girls drop first game

LEON - The Mt. Pleasant girls' basketball season is officially underway. The Panthers fell 60-32 in Newton on Saturday against Central Decatur.

The Panthers had a rough first quarter as Central Decatur busted the game open early. The Panthers were outscored 23-3 in the first quarter and 16-14 in the second quarter, giving Central Decatur a 39-17 lead.

The Panthers had their best defensive quarter in the third period, holding Central Decatur to eight points, but only scored six themselves. After three quarters of play, it was 47-23.

Mt. Pleasant was outscored again in the fourth quarter, 13-9, to start the season with a 28-point loss.

Eight different Panthers found the scoreboard in the loss, led by Maddie Williamson, who scored six. She also led the team with two assists and two steals.

Sadie Carrasco and Isabel Ashton had five points apiece. Ashton's four rebounds led the squad. Elli Liechty, Lydia Stewart and Sydni Coleman had four points each. Emma Huckabone and Ryann Davidson each finished with two.

It was a tough test for Mt. Pleasant in their season-opener. Central Decatur had an undefeated regular season last year, and advanced to the state semifinals in Des Moines. They return 100 percent of the players who saw playing time at Wells Fargo last year.

The Panthers will play in their first home game on Tuesday, Nov. 20. Mt. Pleasant will host Pella, with the varsity game starting at 7 p.m.