Jonathan Kessler scored a game-high 18 points as the Pinnacle Panthers topped Merit Preparatory Academy 51-41 Wednesday night at home.

The Panthers shot a blistering 45-percent from the field as they moved to 6-0, winning by double-digits for the fourth time this season.

Kessler stuffed the stat sheet as he accumulated 15 rebounds to register a double-double, while also handing out five assists and recording four steals.

Junior Cole Barton scored 15 points and gathered four steals. Brody Howell chipped in with 13 points and Ryker Howell finished with five.

The Panthers continued to play stellar defense as they combined for 12 steals. In six games this season the team has allowed an opponent to eclipse the 50-point mark just one time.

With eight games remaining on the non-region slate, the Panthers will next travel to Richfield this weekend for a set of games at the Sevier Valley Center in Richfield.

Following a brief road stretch, the Panthers will return home for Pinnacle Winter Classic, which will take place December 15-17. The holiday moratorium will follow, giving the team a break from Dec. 18 through Jan. 5.