BY MICHAEL DAVID

The Carey Panthers boys basketball team brought their 4-2 season record to Sun Valley Thursday night to face a Community School team playing their very first game of the season.  Using their game experience and sharp shooting from distance, the Panthers downed the determined Cutthroats by a score of 49-30 on Thursday night at The Fishtank.

Carey started strong in the first quarter behind three-point shots by Hayden Wayment and Houston Hennefer and three buckets from Tanner Mecham, posting a 18-7 lead after one period.  The Cutthroats stayed within shouting distance in the second quarter on the back of their man in the paint, Briggs Wharton, who tallied 10 first-half points.  Despite Wharton’s strong effort, Carey entered halftime with a 31-16 lead.

Carey extended the lead in the third quarter behind a balanced scoring attack and relentless defensive pursuit of the basketball.

Tanner Mecham led the way for Carey, scoring 13 points.  Wayment chipped in 10 points and Kaden Koudelka had 6 points for the Panthers.

Wharton finished with 12 points for the Cutthroats, while senior Henry Pollack dropped 11 points and sophomore Shea Brokaw had 7 points for the home team.

Next up for Carey is a trip to Hazelton on Dec. 19 to face Valley High School.  Community School is off until a Jan. 9 road matchup with Castleford.