By Matt M. Stutz

The Pandora-Gilboa High School boys basketball team hosted and defeated Hopewell-Loudon (5-3) 57-42 in a non-conference matchup on December 27.

P-G only trailed once in the game, down 1-0 early, before a 7-0 run gave them a lead they would never relinquish. P-G would go on to lead 9-4 after the first quarter and extended its advantage to 26-13 at the halftime intermission.

A trio of Rockets led the way in scoring, highlighted by the Harris twins: Colin pumped in a game high 17 points, while brother Aidan added 13.   Nate Maag also reached double figures, finishing with 10 points; six came from the free throw line.

P-G held their biggest lead of the night following the third quarter buzzer, comfortably in control at 42-25.  The Chieftains would make things a bit interesting over the final eight minutes, getting as close as ten points, before P-G once again pulled away.

Derek Maag chipped in 6 points for the Rockets, while Aidan Morris and Zach Neuenschwander each added 4 points. Owen Huffman added 2 points, and Jake Maag hit one free throw.

The Rockets (3-0 BVC, 1-1 PCL, 7-1) won’t return to the hardwood again until 2023, when Miller City (1-0 PCL, 4-2) will come to town for a Putnam County League matchup on Monday, January 2.