Panther boys crunch Keokuk, Mediapolis

MT. PLEASANT — The Mt. Pleasant boys flew past a pair of opponents over the weekend. On Friday, the Panthers scooped up a 43-27 Southeast Conference road victory over Keokuk. On Saturday, Mt. Pleasant returned home for a 55-29 beating of Mediapolis.

Mt. Pleasant’s defense suffocated Keokuk in the first half on Friday. The Panthers led 9-7 after one quarter and 23-9 at halftime. Keokuk’s offense picked up a bit in the second half, but it was too little too late.

Owen Vansickel led the way with nine points and four assists against the Chiefs. Dewon Trent scored seven. Reece Kempker and Carter Amos had six apiece. Gabe Feldmann finished with five. Dylon Hagans and Aaiden Ashton chipped in four apiece, and Payton Hagans scored two.

Mt. Pleasant dominated the opening eight minutes against Mediapolis on Saturday. The Panthers led 20-2 after one quarter and never let the Bulldogs get back within single digits.

Payton Hagans went off for 22 points on Saturday. Trent put up 15. Vansickel had seven. Ashton scored five. Dylon Hagans had three, and Amos finished with two.

Mt. Pleasant is now 7-9 overall and 3-5 in conference play.