The Taylorville girls basketball team let a steady lead slip away in Pana, losing 66-62 to the Panthers. The result means Pana wins back the Traveling Trophy after three straight Tornado wins in the matchup.
Pana reached their foul limit in the first three quarters as Taylorville showed some improvement at the line. Two threes from McKynlee Siempelkamp in the first half helped her side gain a formidable advantage.
In the second half, Taylorville's shooting from the field went cold as the opposite happened to Pana. Joey Laker hit four threes in the second half, as part of eleven such scores across the game.
A handful of missed free throws by the Panthers presented Taylorville with a sliver of hope. In the final minute, the Tornadoes regained possession on a fast-break. While down three, Siempelkamp took a two-point shot and was fouled as the shot failed to score. She made the first free throw and missed the second, but her side could not secure the rebound as Pana was able to hold on.
Siempelkamp finished with 14 points and as the Chill Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game. Julie Wayman contributed 11 points, with 10 each coming from Nora Thomas and Grace Rogers. Laker bested everyone with 25 points, while Brooke Cox put up 22.
Taylorville now is at 9-20 overall ahead of their regular season finale at home to Effingham. The game is set for Tuesday, with coverage on 96.5 The Chill. Pana improves to 11-14 and hosts North Mac in the first of four games in successive days to finish their regular season.
