Clara Barton Lady Panthers Even Up Record

Lady Panthers head coach Michael Bedell was not sure what to expect this season as his team entered the Brooklyn A East Division. However, after a 40 to 25 victory over Paul Roberson on Thursday, his team has won 2 out of their first four games of the season.

"To be honest I didn't expect 2-2 but I will take it," stated Bedell. "We are facing all new teams, new scouting and all new gyms for the first time. Along with a lot of new girls playing heavy minutes for the first time. I expected up and downs, but 2-2 I will take it any day because if you are .500 or better you are in the playoffs."

Barton will have a shot at making the playoffs if they continue to display a balanced offensive attack as shown against Robeson. The Lady Panthers had 11 players score at least two points against the Lady Eagles and were lead by the seven points of senior Jeannie Roberts. Roberts (3 assists, one rebound) and Barton cruised through their road matchup and lead the entire way. The Lady Panthers held a nine point lead into halftime and in the second half they pushed the lead to double-digits and never led by less than 10 points the rest of the way.

Next up for the Lady Panthers is tough matchup with Wingate Campus (4-0). The Generals are led by Alisha Ogbewele who is averaging over 24 points per game.

Barton knows that it will be key to stop the Generals star player and that a victory against a top team in the division can impact their season. "Its going to be a good test," Bedell said. "We will see how it goes. A win against Wingate would boost the girls' confidence level."

Bedell's team has been a bit nervous about playing in a tougher division this season and believes that a win against a quality team can "erase some of those butterflies."

The Lady Panthers will look to erase those butterflies and move over the 500 mark with a Monday victory over Wingate.