Panthers

An 11-0 run early in the third quarter last night provided enough cushion for the visiting Annapolis Panthers as they went on to defeat South River, 65-56.Thomas Hawkins scored 22 points to lead the No. 14 Panthers, who improved to 7-1.The Panthers took a 33-25 lead at the break, but a three-point play by South River guard Russell Nicholson (20 points) on the Seahawks' opening possession quickly cut the lead to 33-28.The Panthers' response was a decisive spurt that started with Marcus Johnson (15 points)

Head coach: Linda Richards (19th season).Assistant coaches: Bonnie Clendaniel.1990 record: 8-7.Top returnees: Seniors Meghan Moore, Lisa Sauter, Jeannie Stevens, Stacey Krumrine; juniors Joy Huber, Chris Brenden.Top newcomers: Juniors Jenny Renner, Danielle Arnold, Jill Tringali, Kristie Krebs; sophomores Katy Wilhelm, Kandi Lippy.Coach's outlook: "I think we have a more athletic team this year. We have to work on our basics. They know last year was not a typical North Carroll year, and they've shown a strong desire to get back on top."

Third-seeded Annapolis advanced to the Class 4A Region IV girls basketball semifinals by downing Severna Park, 58-38, last night, earningthe right to visit second-seeded Broadneck at 7 p.m. tomorrow.Dee Dee Downs led the game in scoring for the Panthers (14-9) with 24 points, while Lisa Roberts added 11 and a team-high seven rebounds. The sixth-seeded Falcons (9-14) were led by Kris Drapalski's 11 points and game-high nine rebounds. Lori Sharpless tacked on eight in a losing effort.After Downs' opening bucket 23 seconds into the game, Severna Park forged ahead by a 6-2 count by pressing the Panthers into three straight turnovers, as Jill Natwick, Drapalski and Nikki Cecere providedsingle buckets for the Falcons.

Ravens run offense vs. Panthers run defense Carolina ranks 21st against the run, but that is skewed by the fact that the Panthers allowed 252 yards on the ground against the Atlanta Falcons in the season opener. In the past four games, Carolina has held teams to 81.2 yards rushing a game. It will be difficult for the Ravens to pound the ball in between the tackles because of the Panthers' massive tackles, former Raven Maake Kemoeatu and Kris Jenkins (a combined 685 pounds). Their effectiveness up front helps out undersized and limited middle linebacker Chris Draft, who has replaced injured starter Dan Morgan.

It was the Westminster Owls who were supposed to have all the offensive firepower this season in Carroll County. But nobody told that to the North Carroll Panthers.The visiting Panthers took a quick 5-0 lead and then let their pitching and defense -- something they are better known for -- do the rest in an 8-4 victory over defending county softball champ Westminster yesterday in Gamber.The Panthers (3-2 overall, 2-0 in the county) pounded out 16 hits, got clutch defense and some strong pitching from Kandi Lippy to hold off Westminster.

MIAMI -- No, they will not just throw their sticks onto the ice and concede the Stanley Cup to the Colorado Avalanche.But trailing three games to none heading into Game 4 tonight at Miami Arena, the Florida Panthers have to realize their fairy-tale season is about to get an ugly ending.The Panthers played their best game Saturday, maybe the best they are capable of playing against the Avalanche. And still they lost, 3-2."We're facing tough odds," Panthers forward Bill Lindsay said. "They've put themselves in almost an unbeatable position."

The North Carroll Panthers undoubtedly will go into tonight's football game at Linganore overmatched in size and depth.The Panthers (0-6) also will bring a 16-game losing streak that spans two seasons.Senior quarterback Kris Heefner -- all 6 feet 4, 170 pounds of him -- is not fazed."We're learning a lot about life right now and going through some rough times," he said."It's pretty tough going in and knowing you don't have a very good chance of winning, but you just have to keep pushing and pushing.

Late in Friday's 13-4 girls lacrosse victory over South River, Annapolis sophomore Cristi Samaras was taking a much-needed break on the sideline.Her sister, junior defender Cory, came over and asked, "How many goals did you score tonight?""I don't know," Cristi snapped. "Maybe two or three, but I wish I had scored more.""Try six," said a nearby spectator, correcting her.Cristi Samaras raised her county-leading total to 69 goals and led the top-seeded Panthers (11-3) over the visiting Seahawks (8-4)