By Brandon Sumrall | Special to the Advertiser
Senior night on the campus of Jemison High School was bitter sweet for many on Jan. 30, as the Panthers split with the Isabella Mustangs with the varsity girls losing to 54-29, while the varsity boys picked up a 62-27 win.
With baskets from Synia Chattman and Alexis Owens, the Mustangs jumped out on a 9-0 run to start the first period that ended on a three-point basket from Ashlee Hilyer.

Another late period basket by Hilyer cut the Mustang lead to four and the Panthers ended the first quarter trailing 9-5.
Hilyer struck again to start the second period with another three that made it a one-point game.

The ensuing 6-0 run by Isabella ended on another basket by Hilyer, as Isabella led by six points midway through the second quarter.

A basket by Chattman and Sophia Underwood extended the Mustangs’ lead to 10, while Ford and Owens joined the fray to lead a 13-6 run that sent Isabella to the half with a 33-16 lead.
Marlie Wood made a basket as time expired on the third period, but the Mustangs continued to hold a 15-point lead.

With Isabella sporting a hefty lead and both teams choosing to sub deep into their bench, the emotions of the game began to be more than some could handle.

As the seconds slowly ticked down to zero, the idea of playing her last game inside the friendly confines of Alton Cobb Gymnasium was more than Jemison senior Karmen Mims could process.

“As the clock was winding down I began thinking about all of the memories I have made on that court, and how blessed I have been to be able to play this game with the people I love,” Mims said.

The Panthers’ season will come to an end on Feb. 2 on the road against Chilton County High School. It will be one last hoorah for Mims to face off with county rival CCHS.

“I just want to enjoy it and make the most of it,” Mims said. “It is funny to think about how nervous I was to step onto the court against Chilton County as a Freshman. It is crazy to think that this will be the last time.”

Mims posted seven points, eight rebounds and three steals in her final home game.

Chattman led the Mustangs with 24 points, three rebounds and four steals.

In varsity boys action Jemison ended the first period on a 9-0 run to take a 20-8 lead at the end of the first.

Nathan Johns and Johnathan Lowery extended the lead to 18 to start the second period, while a three-point play from Jarred Taylor made it a 20-point Jemison lead. The Panthers led 38-12 at the end of the first half.
With both teams subbing deep into their bench during the final period, along with a running clock, the Panthers cruised during the closing minutes to a 62-27 win.

Ty Leachman led the Panthers with 16 points, seven rebounds and a steal.

Cornelius Stacy led the Mustangs with eight points and 13 rebounds.

It was the last home game in the careers of Ryan Thompson, Ty Leachman, Eric Evans, Kaleb Bane, Drue Moore and Jason Lucas.