SILVER CREEK - The Silver Creek Black Knights lost a close game to Portville Lady Panthers, 48-41, in CCAA Division 2 girls' high school basketball on Thursday, as Portville remained undefeated on the season.
"We jumped out to the lead," Silver Creek coach Rich Norton said. "We played very, very well in the first half. We controlled the game, our defense was solid. We were the aggressors. We really bogged them down.
"The second half has been a nemesis for us,"?Noted continued. "We just tightened up enough that it made enough of a difference. They got hot when we got cold."
The Black Knights (0-6, 3-7) outscored the Lady Panthers (7-0, 9-0) in both the first and second quarters, 13-8 and 9-8. However, Portville turned the tables in the second half, scoring 16 points in the third quarter to Silver Creek's seven. The Black Knights were able to cut the Lady Panthers' lead to four with four minutes left to play in the game, but Portville hit one of its six 3-pointers and ended up taking the quarter 16-12 along with the game.
"We're struggling with our confidence and those are back breakers," Norton said of the four 3's Portville hit in critical situations. "We've got to fight through that. We've got to fight mentally. We've played the better teams in our league the toughest. We need a win to get the confidence going again."
Recording her fourth double-double of the season for Silver Creek was Jessica Jamison with 15 points and 11 rebounds while Missy Keem had eight points, two off 3-pointers, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. Freshman Jordan Brooks added seven rebounds and three points and Lauren Johengen chipped in with five rebounds and two points.
For Portville, Kayla Welty scored 14 points and Sarah Kichman had 12 points.
"They've got athletes and athletes make plays," Burns said of the Lady Panthers. "You can't be tight playing against a team like that."
Silver Creek's next game will be at Forestville on Thursday.
