File photo
Penn Cambria 53, Juniata 40
MIFFLINTOWN — Juniata struggled to overcome the high intensity of Penn Cambria in its 53-40 loss during the district 6 class 4A girls basketball semifinals on Wednesday.

One of the contributing factors for Penn Cambria was how it used the full court press and put constant pressure on Juniata. The effects were noticeable right from the opening tipoff.

The Indians were unable to score a single basket throughout the opening period. In fact, they did not score until the halfway point of the frame until a jumper from Mylee Landis finally got them on the board.

Landis continued to be a major for the Juniata offense during the second quarter as well. Despite the constant pressure from the Panthers, Landis was able to help keep the Indians within striking distance with her effects down in the paint. Landis scored eight of the 11 total points scored in the frame. Penn Cambria took a 29-22 lead at the break.

But the Panthers never let up their intensity as in the third quarter. Much like the first quarter, the Panthers started dropping buckets from every angle possible.

Juniata struggled to keep pace as the Indians were unable to score a basket until an and one by Regan Lowrey within the final two minutes of the period. In large part due to the tough Penn Cambria defense.

But Juniata continued to battle despite the big deficit. A spirited charge led by the duo of Lowrey and Landis who together helped the Indians outscore the Panthers for the first time of the evening in the fourth quarter 10-6.

Throughout the game Penn Cambria used balance scoring and had at least four different players score a basket in each quarter. The Panthers had scoring from seven different players.

The Panthers were led by Abby Crossman who scored 17 points. Not far behind was Emily Hite who added another 15.

Juniata was led by Lowrey who scored the game high of 19 points for the Indians. Landis was second on the team in scoring with 16.

Juniata season ends at 11-13.