By NATE BEIER | For the County Line
The final seconds of Monday’s game between Royall and rival New Lisbon were tense, as both teams held the lead at different times.
But it was the Panthers who came away with a 57–54 win, taking sole possession of the Scenic Bluffs Conference lead for the time being.
Royall started off Monday’s game well enough and built a 10-point lead by halftime. But New Lisbon overcame its 31–21 deficit and outscored Royall 33–26 in the second half.
In fact, New Lisbon tied the game at 54 with about 16 seconds left in the game, but Royall was patient with its final possession and set up a game-winning shot with just under two seconds left, getting to 1–0 in conference play.
McKenzie Baeseman led a balanced Royall offense with 16 points. Emily Olson and Paige Britzman each added 9 points, and Emma Gruen chimed in for 8.
New Lisbon’s Mya Delgado paced the blue team with 19 points, while Callie Bever added 17.
The Panthers’ season opener on Nov. 21 didn’t go as well as their league start, as they fell to Mauston 57–48. Royall trailed 28–25 at the half and were outscored by 6 in the second half.
Olson led Royall with 12 points, and Baeseman added 11; and Gruen, 10. Skyylar Brescia led all scorers with 26 points for Mauston.
Royall will host Cashton (1–1) on Friday before hitting the road for three straight games.