PANTHERS SPLIT HOOPS DOUBLEHEADER WITH VALLEY LUTHERAN: The Nouvel Catholic Central Panthers varsity basketball teams split a doubleheader Friday against conference rival Valley Lutheran. The boys team rolled past the Chargers 65–32. The Panthers’ defense was stifling, holding Valley Lutheran (3–11) to 18 points through three quarters. The win improves Nouvel’s record to 8–5 and sets up a showdown for first place in the conference Thursday against Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS). Earlier this season, MLS edged the Panthers 47–45 in a double-overtime thriller. RJ Kelley paced the Panthers with 26 points and five steals. Freshman Kobe Box added 13 points and six assists, while Owen Vance (pictured) filled the stat sheet with six points, seven steals, six assists, and seven rebounds. The girls team fell to the Chargers, 49–19. Macey Hausbeck led the Panthers with six points. The Lady Panthers now stand at 3–8 on the season after earning a 44–15 victory over Carson City Crystal earlier in the week. Next up is a home contest Monday against Unionville-Sebewaing (7–3). Let’s Go Panthers!