Sports
Athens Makes Seamless Transition To Hardwood, Beats New Lex, 76-43
By: Brendan Margolies
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The Athens Bulldogs (1-0) throttled the New Lexington Panthers (0-4) on Tuesday with a 76-43 win at home. Ibi Watson had a game-high 24 points and was followed by Joe Burrow who added 15.
Watson threw down a big two-handed jam on a fast break early in the first quarter and his Bulldogs did not look back from there.
The dunk was a part of an 8-0 run to start the game and possibly a sign of things to come for Athens this season. When Ibi was asked about his performance he replied modestly with, “ My teammates did a great job of helping me get open and everything, setting good screens.”
Athens head coach Jeff Skinner was happy to trust some of his young players, with big minutes for sophomore Zacciah Saltzman and freshman Griffin Lutz.
Skinner has high expectations for his whole team, but especially Lutz, considering how much more dynamic the Bulldog offense will potentially be with a true point guard. Lutz struggled shooting on the night, going 2-of-7 from the field, but added 8 rebounds and 3 impressive assists. On one sequence, he had a quick spin move, went up for the shot, and instead darted it into the paint to Joe Burrow for an easy bucket.
Colin Russell had a team-high 13 points for the Panthers and added 2 assists. Nate Saxton also had 12 points but on 5-of-15 shooting. The Panthers struggled to get points on the board all night against the taller, more experienced Athens squad. New Lexington will need to score more efficiently and work the ball around to make up for their lack of size this season.
Athens will take on the Wellston Golden Rockets on Friday, Dec. 13.
New Lexington will look to pick up their first win of the season against the Morgan Raiders on Friday as well.