The Pinnacle Panther boys basketball squad got the 2022-2023 season off and rolling posting back-to-back victories to start the season for the first time since 2012. On Nov. 16 they faced the team from the Utah Military Academy at Hill Field coming out in top in a close one over the Thunderbirds 59-53. They then turned around two days later and faced another Utah Military Academy team this time from Camp Williams taking a 62-49 win.

In the game with the Thunderbirds, the Panthers kept it close and were able to take a three point lead into the locker room at halftime 20-17. Hill Field came out and got the score to within one 31-30 as the game went into the final quarter.

In the fourth, the two teams battled back-and-forth but Pinnacle found a way, outscoring the Thunderbirds 28-23 and secured a 59-53 win.

For the Panthers, Brody Howell and Cole Barton each dropped in 15 points, while Howell pulled down 11 rebounds and Barton 10. Johnathan Kessler added 13 and 10 boards and Ryker Howell added 10 points in the win.

Last Friday, Pinnacle welcomed the Marauders from Camp Williams to Price. The Panthers were in complete control from start to finish in this one jumping out to a 39-17 lead by halftime.

In the second half, Pinnacle had pushed the lead to 26 at the end of the third, and held off Camp Williams to take a 62-49 win.

Barton came up with 15 in the contest to go along with his seven rebounds, and Kessler added 9 points, four rebounds and three assists.

Up next for Pinnacle is a meeting on Tuesday with the same Camp Williams team this time on the Marauders home floor.

The Panthers won’t play at home again until December 7, when they will welcome Merit Prep. Game time is scheduled for 6:30.