By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editor

Before the Gold City Tournament, the Starr's Mill boys basketball team had a record of 2-4.

The record was not necessarily indicative of how the team was playing — several losses were by a few points — but it did point out some of the mistakes that led to that record.

Last week, the Panthers traveled to Dahlonega to play in a holiday basketball tournament and it looks as if the team has struck some gold. Despite losing in the first game to Jefferson, 66-65, the Panthers played some outstanding basketball and look poised for region play.

The Jefferson game was very reflective of how the Panthers season had gone so far. They played them close enough to win it at the end, but they didn't. One huge factor for Jefferson was free throws. Jefferson was 32 of 43 from the line.

Matt Houck led Starr's Mill in scoring with 20 points and Brandon Alexander fouled out in the third quarter.

Starr's Mill faced Lumpkin County next and destroyed them 86-42. The game was fairly close at the half, with Starr's Mill leading by only 10 points. The Panthers then went on to outscore Lumpkin County 26-10 in the third quarter and 19-1 in the fourth quarter. Houck continued to play exceptionally, netting 15 points, while Alexander led the team with 23 points.

The Panthers' final game was against Oconee County. Starr's Mill led 19-9 at the end of the first quarter and 31-20 at the half. The defense on both sides picked up and Starr's Mill, producing 12 steals in the game, outlasted Oconee County, 51-48. Houck led the team in scoring with 25 points.

Starr's Mill now has a 4-5 record and a glimpse of what they could do. An interesting footnote to the team's performance was that Donny Lampen missed the tournament. Lampen is a big post player for the Panthers, and adding him back to the mix should really boost the team.

Starr's Mill travels to Eagle's Landing next Tuesday evening. The basketball action is scheduled to begin with the girls game at 6 p.m.

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