The Panthers boys basketball team beat Kerman 53-45 Wednesday night in the South Gym.

The victory in the North Sequoia League opener boosted Washington to 11-10 overall.

“It was a good team effort, everybody contributed,” coach Tony Petersen said. “Kerman made a couple runs and we held our composure. We were able to fight them off and put them away at the end.”

Senior guard Jose Rivas led the Panthers with 16 points, including 3 of 4 free throws in the final three minutes.

The Panthers forced 21 turnovers while committing just seven.

“We played good defense, we just need to convert our turnovers,” Petersen said.

Junior guard Akili Arnold scored 10 for the Panthers, followed by junior forward Rance Hightower with nine. Junior center DeAndre Dickson added six points, nine rebounds and two assists. His steal in the final two minutes helped put away Kerman.

So did two free throws from senior reserve John Hills, who is now 4 for 4 for the season.

The victory made it a basketball sweep of Kerman this week by Washington. Both girls teams beat Kerman on Tuesday, and the JV boys beat the Lions 36-33 Wednesday. Dashawn Fletcher led the Panthers with 15 points. “Our defense played very well in the second half. We were able to score points off of turnovers. It was a great win and an awesome way to start league,” Coach John Hetherington said.

The Panthers are back in action Friday at Chowchilla. The next home game is Wednesday night against Yosemite — JV at 5:30, varsity at 7.

Varsity

Washington 53, Kerman 45

Kerman         10 17 5 13 – 45

Washington 14 15 8 16 – 53

K: Jose Acosta 4, Mike Rodrigues 6, Robert Zavala 4, Ken Buchnoff 14, Jesus Rico 17.

W: Donzelle Amey 2, Jose Rivas 16, Josh Williams 6, Abel Garcia 2, John Hills 2, Rance Hightower 9, DeAndre Dickson 6, Akili Arnold 10.

JV

Washington 36, Kerman 33

Kerman         9 10 5 9 – 33

Washington 7 7 13 9 – 36

K: Rico 4, J.Singh 6, Reyes 2, Montero 3, Kirkava 4, H.Singh 2, Brar 1, Harvey 4, Valdez 7.

W: Dashawn Fletcher 15, Aaron Rangel 5, Martin Renteria 8, Sal Olvera 4, Germaine Garcia 2.