The Pinnacle Panthers took part in the opening round of the State Championship Tournament on Friday night on their home floor in Price.

The opponent the Wayne Badgers (5-16, No. 17 in RPI) would jump out to an early lead 15-5 after one quarter. The Panthers would cut the lead to 8 at the half and even though they  would make a run in the fourth it was too far out of reach and they would suffer a 71-56 season ending loss.

It was fitting that Pinnacle’s top three scorers were all underclassmen, as they will be the ones to take over next season. Junior Mikey Vigil led the team with 18. Landen Hardy, another junior, scored 12 and Michael Schmitz, a sophomore, scored 10. On a roster of 15 they will only be losing five seniors and it will be time for those remaining to step up.

For Wayne, Tyrel Brian scored a game high 23, Bridger Brian added 16 and Jesse Webb had 14 in the victory. Up next for Wayne is a date with No. 1 Manila on Wednesday.

The Pinnacle Boys team end the season 9-15 and ranked as the No. 16 team in the RPI.

The Pinnacle Girls won their opening round match-up with West Ridge Academy by forfeit. They will take to the floor on Wednesday, February 26, to face the Monument Valley Cougars. This will be the third time this season these two teams have faced off with the Cougars winning both meetings. The Cougars will enter the game as Region 19 Champs and are ranked No. 3 in the RPI. Pinnacle ended the regular season at 9-14 holding the No. 14 RPI.

Tip-off is set for 7 pm at the Sevier Valley Center.