The PECI Jr Panthers Basketball are looking forward to utilizing what they’ve learned on the Bay of Quinte courts this season when they head off to the Central Ontario Championships next week.

The Cats bowed out of the Bay of Quinte playoffs Thursday in a tough 56-43 quarterfinals loss to the Eastside Ravens. PECI was missing a few pieces but skipper Ryan Doolan pointed to the efforts of Kieran Craig, Malcom Gregor and Luke Graham who made substantial contributions for the undermanned Panthers.

“The players really adapted to league play and competing every game,” Mr. Doolan told The Gazette. “Emerson Blakey and Will Bolton took the lead offensively while Emerson Vickers-Struthers and Kieran Craig have been huge on both sides of the ball.”

Exactly which Central Ontario Secondary School Association tournament – A, AA or AAA – PECI is attending has yet to be determined.

The Juniors went 5-5 this season and split their final two regular season contests.

On Monday, Feb. 5, the Panthers downed the visiting Quinte Christian Eagles 53-24. Coach Doolan noted the work of Cam Billing on the boards as the junior led his squad in rebounding.

The following evening PECI was edged 45-40 by the visiting East Northumberland Blue Dragons.

SENIORS

On the senior side of the ball, PECI was eliminated Thursday at Bayside where the Red Devils bested the Panthers 60-49. Hayden Blakely led PECI scoring with 31 while Griffin Lavender poured in nine points.

Overall, the Sr. Panthers went 4-5 in the regular season and also split their final two home games.

On Monday, the Panthers toppled the visiting North Hastings Huskies 47-34.

The team was dealt a blow when Luke Raham was lost the lineup for the remainder of the season. However, PECI’s bench responded, earning praise from Mr. Doolan.

PECI got 24 points from Hayden Blakely while Rowan Colby checked in with 15.

The following night, the Seniors picked up their biggest win of the season, blasting the Blue Dragons 73-45. Hayden Blakely had 31 points in the win as PECI was able to pull away from the scrappy ENSS squad in the third quarter.

This story will be updated once 2024 COSSA tournament details are announced.