The Griffith Boys Basketball team hosted the North Judson Bluejays for a non-conference game on Friday, January 10, winning 58-49.

Since losing against Lafayette Jefferson in the Holiday Hoopfest on December 27, bringing the Panthers to 5-4 on the season, they have gained momentum back, going on a four-game win streak and boosting their record to 9-4. From the start of the game, the Panthers were aggressive, pressing full court to open the game. The Panther’s defense quickly shut out the Bluejays, recording two steals and going on a 9-0 run in the first two minutes of the game. By halftime, the Panthers were up 34-19.

Coming out of the half, the Panthers were off to a slow start, allowing the Bluejays to cut the lead to only four points. Keeping the Panthers alive during a slow fourth quarter was Senior Captain Gianni Feaster, hitting two back-to-back three-pointers to extend their lead to 10. The Bluejays answered with a three-pointer, trying to keep the game in reach. Still, senior Colton Strezo ended the Bluejay’s hopes of winning after capitalizing from a sloppy pass from the Bluejays for a steal and a layup, extending their lead back to nine points and sealing the game.

The Player of the Game was Gianni Feaster, who led the Panthers to a win, putting on a show in the fourth quarter, hitting four three-pointers and finishing with 23 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist. The Panthers have been making significant progress, winning four straight games. “Our goal is to go out and show people Griffith can compete at a high level and should be a respected basketball program in both the region and the state”, Feaster said.

Another standout player of the game, Colten Strezo, led the team in assists and steals, finishing with 14 points, 3 steals, 4 assists. Strezo and Feaster have been an exceptional backcourt duo, averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals so far this season.

Griffith advances to 9-4 on the season and will travel to take on undefeated Crown Point on January 18 at 7:00 p.m.