By John Kemmeter

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – After going into halftime with a tight lead, the Pittsville High School boys basketball team held on in the second half to win at Nekoosa in a nonconference game on Dec. 17.

The Panthers lead 24-20 late in the first half, when Damek Walker hit a three-pointer in the closing seconds to pull Nekoosa within 24-23 at halftime. Pittsville used a 22-16 advantage in the second half, as it hit some free throws down the stretch to seal a 46-39 win.

Matthew Kissner finished with 18 points and 17 rebounds, and Brennen Petersen had 14 points to lead Pittsville. Jace Lobner scored 12 points, and Walker, Aaron Merrit and Trent Waltenberg each scored eight to lead Nekoosa.