FROM STAFF REPORTS

PELHAM – A 20-game losing streak for the Pelham Panthers came to an end Monday as the Panthers rallied from a 36-33 deficit entering the fourth quarter to beat Calera, 58-54.

“We had been frustrated before the game tonight.

It is understandable with what we have gone through,” first-year Pelham head coach Brian Fortenberry said.

Pelham used a half court man-to-man defense to keep the game tight throughout the night, as they were tied, 23-23, at halftime.

Devin Harris led the Panthers with 17 points. DeMarcus Dowdell had 20

points for Calera, followed by Wade Hyde’s 10 points.

Pelham shot 18-of-23 from the free throw line in the game – their best foul percentage of the year.

“It feels great to get the first win.

I have wanted these kids to experience what it feels like to truly compete as a team and have the hard work pay off,” Fortenberry said. “The looks on their faces and their reactions meant more to me than the win.”

Pelham (1-20) was scheduled to play Calera Jan. 10, but tornado warnings in the area canceled the game. The Panthers traveled to Pell City Jan. 11, losing 94-37. They host Thompson Friday.

In other boys’ action:

-Briarwood edges Chelsea: The Briarwood Lions bounced back from two area loses during the week to John Carroll, 51-46, and Ramsay, 39-34, with a 45-43 victory over Chelsea Saturday. William Hoke, who finished with 12 points, hit a pair of free throws late in the game to break a 43-43 tie and give Briarwood the lead.

Chelsea’s Stephen Icolano, who had 18 points, missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. Alex Sturdivant followed with 13 points for Chelsea (8-14).

Carter Tanner scored 13 points to lead Briarwood (9-9), while Michael Robertson had 12 points.

It was Chelsea’s third loss during the week, after falling at Sylacauga Tuesday and Chilton County Friday.

-Montevallo gets first area win: Montevallo picked up its first area victory Jan. 8, over West Blocton, 74-60. DaJuan Fulgham carried Montevallo to victory with 28 points. Kelvin Reed and Tony Kent followed with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

-Indian Springs drops area contest: Keehan Strange led Indian Springs with 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to fend off No. 3 Leeds, falling 64-32. Leeds scored 35 points in the second half, while holding Springs to 18 points in the half.

-Kingwood remains perfect in area: The Kingwood Lions improved to 4-0 in the area with a 49-44 win over Lakeside Saturday. Andrew Gilliam led the Lions with 15 points and seven rebounds. Nathan Allen added 12 points, while Eli Hogan had 10 points.

-Shelby wins fourth straight: The Shelby Raiders improved to 5-1 in the area with a 54-49 win over Cornerstone Monday. Chad King led the Raiders with 18 points, followed by 17 points for Cody Jones, who had five 3-pointers. JoJo Tidmore added 12 points.

Kendall Moore led CCS with 14, followed by Zach Ray with 12.

Shelby topped Open Door, 56-35, Friday and Central Christian, 50-46, Jan. 8.

-CVA drops second area game: Coosa Valley Academy dropped its second area game of the season Friday, 66-55 at Warrior Academy. J.B. Ripley carried the CVA Rebels with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Chase Lacey had 10 points and eight rebounds. Brian Hurst and Chris Holcombe each scored eight.

CVA (11-6) travels to Open Door on Friday.

-Hope rallys past Covenant: The Hope Christian Eagles rallied back from a 24-11 first-quarter deficit to top Covenant, 69-65 Monday. Adam Davis led the Eagles’ offense with 17 points, while Michael Johnston, T.J. Vigneulle and Brandon Thomas each had 13 points