ST. CLAIRSVILLE — OUE hosted Akron Wayne Sunday afternoon in their final game of the regular season. It was senior day as Adam Perzanowski and Jason Shaw were recognized before the game for all the time and effort they have put in over the last four seasons of their careers. This was the last time that these guys would wear the Green and White in their home gym.
“ These two guys will surely be missed,” said coach Madzia. “These guys have been with me for a long time.” “Not only are they good basketball players, but they are even better people. I’ve enjoyed watching them mature into fine young men.”
The Panthers came out of the gates very slowly, falling behind 13-3 to start the game. After a time out, the Panthers came out and began fighting back to knot the game at 25 with just over 10 minutes remaining in the half. Akron would make a few tough baskets to end the half and take a 45-40 lead into the break.
The second half saw both teams exchange blows, but Akron couldn’t pull away from the feisty Panthers as they knotted the game at 75 with 2:29 remaining. After a time out, Akron went on to convert back to back three pointers to put the game away for good. The final score was Akron 86 and OUE 77. Haynes finished with 25 and Pratt nearly equaled his back court mate with 24 to lead Akron. The Panthers were led by Shadyside product Nick Schuetz as he scored a career high 36 points. He was followed by Jason Shaw’s 16 and Grant McCroskey’s 10. Shaw grabbed nine rebounds, while Schuetz collected five rebounds and four assists to round out his fine performance. Others reaching the scoring column for the Panthers were Adam Perzanowski with eight, Dustin Hynes had five and Jordan Barbina chipped in a bucket.
Next up for the Panthers is the Ohio Regional Conference Tournament where they look to make their fifth straight Final Four appearance. They are scheduled to play OSU Mansfield on Saturday, February 19. The first two rounds of the tournament will be on the campus of Ohio University Zanesville. Tip off is set for 1 p.m.
If the Panthers are to get by Saturday they will face three time defending champions, Miami Middletown with a spot in the Final Four on the line.
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