DODGE CITY — The nerves showed early before the Great Bend 7th-grade girls basketball built momentum for a 40-18 opening victory over Dodge City Comanche.

The Panthers slowly built momentum with six points in the first and second quarters. After halftime, the Panthers scored 10 points before finishing with an 18-point ourburst for a 40-18 victory.

Kya Behr led the team with 23 points 11 rebounds and 4 steals. Alex Mayers contributed 9 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Other stats—Alyvia Batchman (4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals), Meredith Mazouch (2 points), Adelle Smith (2 points);  Mya Krebaum (3 rebounds) and Chayla Prendergast (2 rebounds).  

Tera Arnberger said the girls overcame a anxious start.

“I shared with the girls that I was nervous too,” she said. “We’re a fast, athletic and smart bunch of girls who will continue to improve and grow as a team. I was impressed by the drive we showed with our first game.”

GBMS B TEAM — The GBMS B-team girls jumped out up 10-1 and rolled past Comanche 18-5.

SCORING—Madelyn Siefkes (4), Kynli Shull (4), Decelia Bray (4), Beth Hammeke (2), Keira Leyva (2) and Marlee Johnson (2).