The Delavan Varsity Panthers endured another challenging week on their home floor, falling in consecutive matchups to Lexington and Brimfield and extending their losing streak to five straight games. Despite strong starts in both contests, Delavan struggled to maintain momentum after halftime—a pattern that continues to define this late-season stretch.

Lexington Rallies Past Delavan, 51–42

On Monday, February 2, the Panthers opened with energy and execution against the visiting Lexington Minutemen. Delavan controlled the pace early, building and protecting a lead through the first two quarters.

But the third quarter once again proved costly. Lexington surged out of the locker room with renewed intensity, capitalizing on Delavan turnovers and cold shooting to flip the scoreboard. The Panthers fought to stay within reach, but the Minutemen’s second-half push carried them to a 51–42 victory.

Brimfield Stifles Panthers, 48–37

Friday night brought another tough test as the Brimfield Indians arrived with a defense that wasted no time asserting itself. The Indians picked up four personal fouls in the first four minutes, a sign of just how aggressively they intended to challenge Delavan’s offense.

Even so, the Panthers again came out strong, taking a first-half lead behind crisp ball movement and confident shooting. But as the game wore on, Brimfield’s physicality and depth began to wear down the Panthers. A decisive third quarter swung the momentum, and Delavan couldn’t recover, falling 48–37.

Hudson Briggs continued to anchor the offense with 15 points, while Corbin Soldal and James Pagel added 6 each. Grady Burrell contributed 5, and Corie Green chipped in 4 as the Panthers worked to find scoring opportunities against one of the more aggressive defenses they’ve faced this season.

Looking Ahead

Now 9–16, Delavan will look to regroup quickly as they head back on the road. The Panthers travel to face the Peoria Heights Patriots on Saturday, February 7, at 4:00 p.m., hoping to snap their skid.