The Delavan Varsity Panthers closed their regular season with a heart-pounding finish Friday night, coming within a single shot of completing yet another fourth-quarter comeback. Instead, the North Fulton Wildcats escaped with a 58–57 victory, handing Delavan a narrow loss in a game that kept the crowd on its feet until the final buzzer.

Wildcats Control Early, Panthers Charge Late

North Fulton dictated the pace early, building steady leads quarter after quarter. The Wildcats held a 13–9 advantage after the first, stretched it to 33–27 at halftime, and carried a 47–39 lead into the fourth.

But as they’ve done so many times this season, the Panthers refused to fold. Defensive pressure tightened, shots began to fall, and Delavan chipped away at the deficit possession by possession.

Final Seconds Deliver High Drama

With just 8 seconds remaining, Delavan trailed 54–57 when a personal foul sent North Fulton to the line in the double bonus. The Wildcats converted only one of the two free throws, nudging the margin to 58–54 and giving the Panthers a sliver of hope.

Delavan inbounded quickly, pushing the ball up the floor to James Pagel (#3). With the clock evaporating, Pagel rose for a deep three—and buried it as the horn sounded. The shot electrified the gym, but the Panthers were still one point short as the scoreboard froze at 57–58.

Stat Leaders

Despite the loss, Delavan’s offensive production was balanced and efficient:

Hudson Briggs (#14): 18 points, 5 assists

Grady Burrell (#10): 11 points, 3 assists

Corbin Soldal (#13): 7 points, 1 assist

James Pagel (#3): 6 points, 1 assist

Hunter Lusher (#21): 6 points, 1 assist

Corie Green (#11): 6 points, 1 assist

Briggs once again set the tone, while Burrell and Soldal provided steady scoring. Pagel’s buzzer beater capped a gritty team effort that nearly erased North Fulton’s lead.

A Season Marked by Fight

Though the finale ended in heartbreak, the Panthers showcased the resilience that has defined their season—never out of a game, never out of belief, and always dangerous in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers now take their fight into the post-season.