The Paschal Panthers played a tough game against Arlington Heights on January 21, only losing by 1 point. Heights scored the game-winning basket with 2 seconds left on the clock to win the game 57-56. The Panthers dropped both games against Heights in district play but it won’t take away the amazing season Paschal is still having.

Paschal came into the game on Tuesday with a five-game win streak with notable wins over Kennedale and before the streak they beat Aledo, both teams had well over 20 wins. Paschal should win the last 5 games of the season and they are heavy favorites. Unfortunately for the Panthers, the 2 losses against Heights will not help their case to win the district as Heights is undefeated in district play and most likely will not lose to the other weaker teams in the district.

Paschal still finds themselves in a great position in the late stages of the season as they will most likely finish second in the district and have a playoff berth. The top four teams from the Panthers’ district make playoffs. Last year Paschal finished as the 3rd team in their 6A district and lost in the first round to a very good Eaton team. Now, Paschal has dominated 5A and with a 2 seed in the district they will have a more favorable matchup in the first round of the playoffs, looking to advance to the first round in years. 

This is the first time Paschal has had 20 wins since the 2017-2018 season and should surpass their win total which was 21.

The Panthers face off against O.D. Wyatt which is their second meeting this year. The Chaparrals and the Panthers met earlier this year in a tournament in December. Paschal won easily 63-45 and looks to go for the season sweep on Friday.