Tuesday, January 4th, the Griffith Panthers went up against the Merrillville Pirates in boys basketball. The starting lineup for the Panthers was A.J Hatch, Allen Resendez, Savon Miles, Jakhari Mackey, and Peyton Thomas. The Panthers went into this game as the underdogs as Merrillville is a top team in the area. They have a tough schedule, including games against state ranked #5 Fishers, a cancelled game against #9 Cathedral, an upcoming game against #20 Penn. Along with these matchups came with games vs #23 Valparaiso, #42 Culver Academy, #47 Portage, #48 Crown Point and #49 Munster. Griffith put up a good fight but fell 71-48 to the Pirates.  Led by 6’5 forward A.J Dixon, who finished with 13 points and back to back fast break dunks in the 2nd Quarter. For the Griffith Panthers, who now drop to 0-5 on the season, had some bright spots. Allen Resendez finished with 20 points, 9 of which that were from the 3 point line. Sophomore, Savon Miles, got his first varsity start last night against the Pirates, “I was nervous at first but after I got a few stops on defense I felt good.” When asked asked what he thought they needed to do the next few games, Savon said, “We just need to bring energy and come out strong on both sides of the ball.”  Merrillville, after the win last night moves to 5-4, their next contest is January 8th, an at home matchup against #13 Chesterton who are undefeated. The Griffith Panthers take on Hobart (Jan 5) and Wheeler (Jan 8).

Stats:
Griffith
#5 Resendez – 20 Points on 47% FG – 2 STLS – 4 AST
#12 A.J Hatch – 3 Points 1/1 From 3 – 2 Steals
#24 Peyton Thomas – 10 Points on 63% FG – 5 Rebounds
#23 A.J Ladendorf – 8 Points on 50% FG – 4 Rebounds
#25 Savon Miles – 2 Points – 5 Rebounds

Merrillville
#50 A.J Dixon – 13 Points



Junior Varsity
#21 Aiden Blevins – 11 Points
#32 Gianni Feaster – 6 Points (2 Varsity Points
#34 Cameron Chandler – 4 Points
#10 Colton Strezo 4 Points (3 Varsity Points)