The Great Bend Middle School 8th grade boys basketball A-team (3-4) found its groove after losing to Hutchinson Middle School, Dodge City Comanche Middle School and Abilene Middle School.

Traveling to Liberal, the Panthers were led in scoring by Carson Umphres with 13 points to pick up their first win of the season against Seymour Rogers Middle School 34-27.  

Ben Nicholson sunk 11 points and strong rebounding by Izaeh Caro Reed (9) and Hunter Herrman (6) kept Liberal from getting second-chance opportunities.  

Keying on the momentum, Great Bend picked up their second win 50-45 over Eisenhower Middle School 50-45.  

Reed almost pulled off the double-double with 20 points and nine rebounds.  Umphres followed up with 14 points and Herman pulled down six rebounds.   

The next Monday, the Panthers found themselves back on the court hosting Salina Lakewood.  In a hard fought battle, the Mustangs handed the Panthers a tough 27-25 defeat. 

GBMS redeemed themselves against Dodge City Middle School in Dodge City pulling off a 38-23 win.  Reed was the highest scorer for the Panthers followed by Nicholson and Thomas Armatys with seven points each.