Posted by Hatchet staff

The Panthers girls basketball team beat Kerman 61-17 Tuesday night in the South Gym in a North Sequoia League opener.

Sophomore guard Lexi Blue scored 26 points to lead Washington.

The Panthers led 24-4 after the first quarter and 45-12 at halftime as Kerman wilted under a full-court press.

“Our girls played really well tonight,” said Washington coach Annie Taylor. “Our press was great and we got off to a quick start, so we got to practice some new things that we might need to use later in league. I’m very proud of each girl and the effort we gave tonight.”

Washington, which also won the Parlier tournament this month, is 6-10 overall. The Panthers play Friday as part of a four-game night (boys and girls, JV and varsity) at Chowchilla.

The Washington JV beat Kerman 25-23. Nou Yang made two free throws with 30 seconds left to secure the win.

Varsity

Washington 61, Kerman 17

Kerman           4   8   3 2 – 17

Washington 24 21 15 1 – 61

K: Amaro 4, Taylor 2, Lee 5, Mendrin 3, Ortiz 1, Vela 2.

W: Lexi Blue 26, Samantha Mendoza 10, Latique Walton 13, Anyssa Taylor 10, Holli Bradford 2.

JV

Washington 25, Kerman 23

Kerman         4 10 6 3 – 23

Washington 4   6 9 6 – 25

K: Vera 7, Velez 2, Robles 4, Jimenez 2, Zermeno 5, Martinez 3.

W: Natalie Serna 5, Nou Yang 2, Candy Cruz 7, Brittany Granados 6, Denise DeLaTorre 2, Monica Serna 3.