Boys basketball: Panthers get chance for payback vs. Bronchos

The Permian Panthers are on the brink of qualifying for the Class 5A playoffs, while the Odessa High Bronchos need to do some work to get into the postseason picture.

Permian is tied for third place with Abilene Cooper in the District 3-5A standings, while Odessa High is tied for fifth with San Angelo Central. The top four teams in the district qualify for the playoffs.

The second half of district play begins tonight, so both teams know opportunities to improve their positions are dwindling.

“We didn’t expect to be in this position, but we are where we are,” Odessa High coach James Johnson said. “Last year we went 6-0 in the first half and 2-4 in the second half, so who says we can’t turn it around this year?”

Permian (6-18 overall, 3-3 district) hopes to be the one of the teams that keep Odessa High from transforming its season. The teams meet in the second crosstown matchup of the season at 7:30 p.m. today at the OHS Fieldhouse.

Permian, which hasn’t been in the playoffs since 1997, lost to Odessa High 74-58 at home earlier this season and would like a win tonight to build momentum toward a playoff push.

“When we lost to them, we were trying to get chemistry going,” Permian senior Cameron Phillips said. “We hope to have some revenge in store for them.”

Odessa High has reigned supreme in the basketball landscape in the city during the last couple of years behind players including Jamel Guyton, Justin Najera and Travis Nickens. The current crop of Bronchos (4-19, 2-4) has lost road games to Abilene Cooper and San Angelo Central.

“I feel like we’re just not getting stuff done,” OHS senior J.P. Muncy said. “I think we’re finally getting serious. We just have to play more as a team and have to get together and execute our plays more.”

Everything can change tonight.

“We expected to be in front of them,” Permian post Greg Williams said. “We’ve just been working harder and listening to coach. We have to take care of the ball, and we can’t leave their shooters open.”

While Permian is looking to avenge its earlier loss to OHS, the Bronchos know they can’t afford any more home losses.

“If we play like we can, I feel we can beat anyone in the district,” Muncy said.

THE BASICS

>> Who: Permian at Odessa High

>> What: District 3-5A doubleheader.

>> When: Girls, 6 p.m.; Boys, 7:30 p.m.

>> Where: OHS Fieldhouse, 14th Street and Dotsy Ave.

>> Last time: Girls: OHS 52, Permian 54; Boys: OHS 74, Permian 58

District 3-5A Standings

Overall District

W L W L

Midland Lee 14 9 6 0

Midland High 14 11 5 1

Permian 6 18 3 3

Abilene Cooper 5 18 3 3

San Angelo Central 9 15 2 4

Odessa High 4 19 2 4

Abilene High 8 15 0 6

Tuesday, Jan. 22 Games

Permian at Odessa High, 7:30 p.m.

Midland High at Midland Lee, 7:30 p.m.

Abilene High at Abilene Cooper, 7:30 p.m.

San Angelo Central, idle.

Friday, Jan. 25 Games

Odessa High at Midland High, 7:30 p.m.

Midland Lee at Permian, 7:30 p.m.

San Angelo Central at Abilene High, 7:30 p.m

Abilene Cooper, idle.

Tuesday, Jan. 29 Games

Permian at San Angelo Central, 7:30 p.m.

Abilene High at Midland Lee, 7:30 p.m.

Midland High at Abilene Cooper, 7:30 p.m.

Lubbock Trinity at Odessa High, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1 Games

Odessa High at Abilene High, 7:30 p.m.

Abilene Cooper at Permian, 7:30 p.m.

Midland Lee at San Angelo Central, 7:30 p.m.

Midland High, idle

Tuesday, Feb. 5 Games

Odessa High at San Angelo Central, 7:30 p.m.

Abilene High at Midland High, 7:30 p.m.

Midland Lee at Abilene Cooper, 7:30 p.m.

Permian, idle.

Friday, Feb. 8 Games

Odessa High at Midland Lee, 7:30 p.m.

Midland High at Permian, 7:30 p.m.

Abilene Cooper at San Angelo Central, 7:30 p.m.

Abilene High, idle.

Tuesday, Feb. 12 Games

Abilene Cooper at Odessa High, 7:30 p.m.

Permian at Abilene High, 7:30 p.m.

San Angelo Central at Midland High, 7:30 p.m.

Midland Lee, idle.

END OF REGULAR SEASON