Panthers are Binghamto Bound

Powered in part by Carter Brink, a third-quarter surge helped Panama push past Section V’s Fillmore 86-69 in Saturday’s New York State Public High School Athletic Association Class D Far West Regional.

Brink scored 12 of his 24 points during the game’s defining frame, helping Panama enter the final 8 minutes of play with a 7-point lead it wouldn’t relinquish. In addition to Brink’s brilliance, Bryce Hinsdale was right behind his teammate, adding 25 points for the Panthers (21-2), who advance to the state final four where they will meet the winner of Sackets Harbor (III) and Morris (IV).

Fillmore was led by Campbell Mucher’s game-high 26 points, as the Eagles’ season reaches its conclusion at 20-4.

Panama took control of the game to begin the second half, opening up a 57-48 advantage midway through the third quarter before a quick 5-0 run from Fillmore cut the lead down to four points. But a 3-point play from Alex Barmore pushed the Panama advantage back to seven points with 3 minutes 7 seconds remaining in the frame.

The Panthers would ride their momentum throughout the third before Brink beat the buzzer on a transition layup to help Panama enter the fourth with a 66-59 lead. The advantage swelled to as many as 17 points during the final frame and that’s where it would remain as Panama walked away with the regional victory.