The boys’ basketball rivalry between Blanco and Comfort has grown to resemble the football rivalry more and more. While the football team routinely chalks up wins in October, the boys’ basketball team has now taken six of the last seven games after years of frustration. The Panthers were able to extend their streak Friday night in Comfort behind a 19-4 run to start the game en route to a 52-33 victory to open district play.

Junior Ian Ray got things rolling in the early moments of the game, drawing fouls on the Bobcats on the first two possessions. Then the Panther press took over. Senior Tanner Rogers and juniors Sam Isenberg and Colton Childress harassed the Bobcat ball-handlers into turnovers and quick shots throughout the quarter. Rogers scored 8 points in the quarter, and capped off the run with a steal at half-court and assist to Childress streaking down the floor. For the night, Rogers led the team with 15 points, while also collecting 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. The Bobcats made a mini-run at the end of the second quarter before Rogers dropped off a pass to Ray in the post, allowing the junior to score with seconds remaining, pushing the halftime lead to 30-14.

The Bobcats were game in the second half, but never seriously threatened again. Blanco took a 40-23 lead into the fourth quarter before cruising to the 52-33 final. On the night, sophomore Kyle Sauceda added 11 points and Ray and another sophomore, David Ramirez, each had 9. Sauceda led the team with 7 rebounds. Isenberg dropped 5 assists on the night. Childress matched Rogers’ 4 steals.

In other action in district, Ingram beat Harper 62-41. Junction had a bye.