The 58th Annual Paris Junior League Tournament is in the books with the Panthers — coached by Adam and JK Vilk — taking not only the regular season championship but the tourney title as well, downing the tiers 42-21.

Panthers 42, Tigers 21

The battle for bragging rights in the championship game Sunday got off to a competitive start in the first quarter with the Panthers holding a slight 9-8 lead.

It was the Panthers second and third string players setting off the fireworks, laying the foundation for the remainder of the game, Those players increased their team’s lead to 22-9 at halftime. The Panthers never looked back.

In the second half, the Panthers were unstoppable as they added 20 points and held a whopping 42-12 lead over the Tigers after the third quarter.

The Tigers played better defense in the fourth quarter and added 9 points to the board while denying the Panthers the opportunity to score — but it just wasn’t enough. The Panthers captured the 58th Annual Paris Junior League Championship Bragging Rights.

Pacing the floor for the Panthers were William Dennis and Hellie Barrett with 9 points each. Hudson Jewell contributed 6 points and Sloan Vilk had 5. Hudson Gilbert connected for a basket and a free throw for three points. Carter Gore, Tess Barrett and Brantley Bridgewater each had a bucket.

The Tigers were led by Jaxson Creech and Charlie Sabens with 6 points each. Hunter Rollings, Lauren Bowers, Isaac Laumeyer and Rylee Hillyer finished with a bucket.

Lions 28, Cards 21

The quest for third place in the Junior League Tournament found the Lions making the right moves at the right times defeating the Cardinals in the second game of the afternoon 28-21.

In the first quarter of play, the Lions held a narrow 4-3 lead. Both teams were successful with the scoring during the second quarter, but the Lions still held the edge at halftime, 14-11.

Third quarter play was pretty even with the Lions holding a 21-18 for the third place game heading into the final minutes. T

The Lions outscored the Cardinals 7-3 in the final quarter as they sealed the deal and defeated the Cardinals 28-21.

Maddox Adams led the Lions with 9 points. Tinley Luth was on fire with 6 points. Karter Gore added a bucket and a free throw for 3. Ryder Adams, Zayne Rogers, Iziah Oba, Gwen Garwood and Kallen Keys each connected for a basket for 2 points.

Riley Dawson was on hot for the Cardinals with 6 points while Syrus Osborne was right behind with 5 points. Bayah Good completed her last game with 4 points. Mason Webb had 3 while Ryker Sanders had a bucket. Finishing with a free throw was Benson Lorenzen.

Bears 22, Colts 15

In the first game of the afternoon the Bears captured the consolation championship by handing the Colts a 22-15 loss. 

The first quarter was back and forth scoring with the Bears leading 6-5 heading into the second.  The Colts struggled with getting the ball into the basket during the second quarter and the Bears took a comfortable 14-7 lead going into the locker room at halftime.

The Bears struggled with their scoring during the third and were only able to add a basket to the score while the Colts fought back but still trailed the Bears 16-12. Bears players came alive on offense during the final quarter of play and the Colts just couldn’t keep up. The Bears won, 22-15.

There were quite a few Bears players scoring in their final game of the season. Jagger Craig led his team with 6 points. Liem Eveland and Sam Weir ended the day with 4 points each. Keaton Pruiett added 3 points while Deegan Starr and Bentley Prouse each had a bucket. Kohlton Ford finished with a single free throw.

Leah Sanders was the top scoring Colts player with 7 points. Kennedee Guyer followed with 4 points. Trevon Brown had a bucket. Brayden Broughton and Bella Rogers each had a single free throw.