Defense was the difference in Panther Valley’s non-league matchup with MMI on Saturday.

The Panthers (2-2) forced five first-quarter turnovers, leading to quick transition opportunities and an early 15-2 advantage, which helped them come away with a 49-10 victory over the Preppers.

PV didn’t waste any time applying pressure in its half court man-to-man defense, playing aggressively and being active in the passing lanes. After a triple by Drew Kokinda from the left corner to start the game, back-to-back steals that were converted into fast break buckets by Stephen Hood and Chase Weaver set the tone for the Panthers dominant first-quarter effort.

“I thought throughout the game our guys did a good job of moving their feet defensively, playing defense with their feet and not their hands,” said Panther Valley head coach Pat Crampsie. “We were able to force some turnovers and get out in transition and our kids played very unselfish, looking up the court and hitting the open man.”

PV forced four more turnovers in the second and kept the pressure on MMI, outscoring the Preppers 13-4 to lead by 22 at the half. The Panthers then got hot from the outside to start the third quarter, opening up the frame with three straight trifectas - two from Hood and one from Kokinda to up their lead to 31.

Offensive rebounding also proved to be important as Panther Valley was able to create numerous second-chance opportunities by working hard on the offensive glass.

“We were able to come out in the second half and shoot the ball well from the outside, but we were also good around the rim and in the rebounding department as well,” said Crampsie. “We struggled in the paint in our first two games, but we’ve gotten better there over our last two, and I’m happy with our improvement there.”

LEADERS ... Hood scored a game-high 16 points, with Ben Kindt and Kokinda each adding six. Ten Panthers were able to score in the game.

GOOD DAY ... Along with his 16 points, Hood also came through with seven steals and seven rebounds.

MMI PREP

Lispi 0-0-0-0, Pedri 0-0-0-0, Pantages 3-0-0-6, Floryshak 0-0-0-0, Rodriguez 0-0-0-0, Hosier 0-0-0-0, Witner 0-0-0-0, Pease 0-2-4-2, Schwabe 0-0-0-0, Valkusky 1-0-0-2. TOTALS: 4-2-4-10.

PANTHER VALLEY

Kokinda 2-0-0-6, Weaver 2-0-0-4, Orsulak 0-0-0-0, B. Hood 0-0-0-0, Jones 1-0-0-2, Kindt 1-4-4-6, Pascoe 2-0-0-4, S. Hood 7-0-0-16, Hadley 1-0-0-2, Bryce 0-0-0-0, Hoben 2-0-0-4, Maynard 0-0-0-0, Turner 1-0-0-2, McAndrew 1-0-0-3, Gardiner 0-0-0-0. TOTALS: 20-4-4-49.

MMI Prep 2 4 0 4 - 10

Panther Valley 15 14 16 4 - 49

Three-pointers: MMI - None; Panther Valley - Kokinda 2, S. Hood 2, McAndrew 1.