HANOVER, Ind. – The 2021 season-opener did not disappoint as the Hanover Panthers defeated Franklin in thrilling fashion, 76-74. With the victory, Hanover moves to 1-0 overall on the year.
 
Leading the charge for the Blue and Red was senior Isaac Hibbard (New Albany, Ind. / New Albany) with a game-high 22 points and eight assists. Senior Mark Albers (Pendleton, Ind. / Pendleton Heights) finished the contest with 15 points, while sophomore Ty Houston (Union, Ky. / Cooper) chipped in 12 points.
 
The first half saw the two teams exchange points for several minutes before an Albers jumper with 10:33 to play sparked a Panther 12-0 run that was capped off by a Hibbard three-pointer for the 24-19 advantage. Hanover pushed their lead with 4:19 remaining as another Hibbard deep ball extended the difference to 27-21.
 
However, Franklin continued to battle as back-to-back scores in the final minutes of the half would propel them in front 34-29 at the break.
 
The second half mirrored much of the first half as neither team could find an edge when the Grizzlies strung together a 6-0 run that gave them the 43-35 lead with just over 15 minutes to play. The Panthers chipped at the lead as a freshman Max Greenamoyer (Zionsville, Ind. / Christian Academy) layup followed by a sophomore Jack Wininger (Elnora, Ind. / North Daviess) three-pointer would swing the lead in Hanover's favor, 44-43.
 
The back and forth battle continued late into the contest with Franklin surging ahead 64-59 at the 5:18 mark. They would extend the advantage to 70-63 when Houston responded for the Panthers with a deep ball from behind the three-point arc. He helped lead a Panther comeback that saw the Blue and Red tie the game at 72-72 with just over a minute to play.
 
However, Franklin once again found themselves with the 74-72 advantage late in the contest that was surrendered following a pair of senior Connor Washburn (Indianapolis, Ind. / Fishers)  free-throws that knotted the game with 30 seconds remaining.
 
Hibbard deemed clutch for the Blue and Red as he was able to steal the inbounds pass in the final seconds taking it the full length of the court for the 76-74 victory.
 
Hanover returns to action on Sunday, January 10 when they travel to Franklin. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.