Good start for Panthers in new jamboree

It was a successful debut for both the Creston girls basketball team, and the Southwestern Community College women’s team that hosted the first Southwestern Jamboree Thursday night.

The Panthers defeated Martensdale-St. Marys, 15-12, in the last of four two-quarter contests in the SWCC gym. In other matchups, Riverside routed CAM, 26-8; Clarke topped Nodaway Valley, 23-12; and Adair-Casey outscored East Union, 18-8.

Besides the chance to observe local talent from eight teams on the same night, SWCC coach Brett Gilcrist said there is another benefit from holding the event.

“The biggest thing it does for us is put the women’s basketball program back into the community spotlight,” Gilcrist said. “I think a lot of our local girls in this part of the region don’t even think about playing at Southwestern. We had a good crowd here tonight. This gives the girls a chance to see that we do put on a good show. People just have to recognize that and give us a chance.”

For Creston, it was a chance to get some game-like experience besides informal scrimmages, prior to the season opener Monday night against Lamoni at Mount Ayr.

Coach Larry McNutt unveiled a starting lineup of senior Brianna Maitlen, juniors Zaidy Frank and Chelcee Downing, and sophomores Brenna Baker and Natalie Mostek.

Maitlen and Frank, both quick and active inside, converted four of the first five baskets as the Panthers took a 10-3 lead. Baker, Mostek and freshman Jenna Taylor scored in the second quarter as the Panthers held on to post the three-point victory.

“I told the girls it went better than I thought it might,” McNutt said. “We haven’t done a whole lot of five-on-five yet. I thought offensively, we did some good things. Defensively, we have things to work on.”

Martensdale-St. Marys (12) — Kylah Schumacher 5, Nicole Shutt 3, Emily Murphy 2, Sarah Noel 2. Totals — 5 2-4 12.

Creston (15) — Brianna Maitlen 4, Natalie Mostek 4, Zaidy Frank 4, Jenna Taylor 2, Brenna Baker 1. Totals — 5 5-7 15.