Panthers eliminated by Haven

POTTSVILLE – Panther Valley is on the doorstep.

The Panthers didn’t break through Wednesday, but they’re close.

Though Panther Valley’s season ended with a 13-4 loss to Schuylkill Haven in the District 11 Class 2A semis, the program is one that is still very much on the rise, and on the cusp of taking another big step forward.

“We’ve had a progression the last couple years,” said Panthers head coach Rich Evanko. “We got to districts, got to districts, we got a district win. And we’re right there knocking.

“It is a progression. As always, you always expect more. We came up short in that sense. You get here, and you’re one win away (from playing for a district title), that stings a little bit. You’re always trying to take that next step.”

Panther Valley has qualified for the district tournament the last two years, but weren’t able to score a victory. The Panthers checked that box Monday, knocking off last season’s district runner-up Minersville in the quarterfinals.

A strong start against top seed Schuylkill Haven had the team thinking title game.

Panther Valley took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning when Zach Kindt led off with a double, and eventually scored on an error.

The fourth-seeded Panthers showed their grit, too.

After the Hurricanes scored three runs with two outs in the bottom half of the inning to go up 3-1, Panther Valley got one back when Bradley Buzzard tripled to score Mason Goida to make it a one-run game.

Jon Hafer ripped a one-out single to left field that scored Sacory Stewart to make it 3-3 in the top of the fourth. Goida followed and dropped down a perfectly executed bunt to score Mark Kokinda, giving the Panthers a 4-3 advantage.

But the Hurricanes’ response was swift.

Schuylkill Haven regained the lead with two runs in the bottom of the fourth, and broke it open with three in the fifth and five in the sixth.

The Hurricanes also took advantage of 14 walks issued by Panther Valley pitchers.

“We had trouble locating the strike zone, and when you get behind 2-0, and 3-0, you can sit dead-red fastball, and that’s what they did,” Evanko said. “They took advantage of it.

“Four walks is too many, let alone 14. … There is absolutely no way we can have that many walks. And that was our downfall today. Our Achilles’ heel this year has been throwing strikes, and giving too many outs a game defensively.”

Albe Evans had a big game for Haven. The sophomore had an RBI single in the second inning that scored Josh Kalyan (three walks) to put the Hurriances ahead 2-1.

The team’s No. 9 hitter broke it open with a two-run hit in the fifth with the bases loaded that increased the Hurricanes’ lead to 7-4. Evans also drew a walk and scored twice.

“Albe worked hard at it, all these guys work hard at it,” said Schuylkill Haven head coach Scott Buffington. “And they get all the credit. They get all the credit for the hard work that they’re putting in. It’s at that point of the season, where that hard work is hopefully gonna pay off.

“A lot of credit to this Panther Valley bunch. They’re a scrappy bunch, and they hung in there, and hung in there. Rich (Evanko) and his staff do a real nice job. A lot of credit to those guys.”

Evanko praised his team, especially the upperclassmen, for helping to make the program a successful one.

“This is my third year as head coach, I’ve spent five as an assistant, and to take that step into districts, the seniors had a lot to do with that,” Evanko said. “Hopefully this becomes the new norm, that we try to get to this point, and take that next step next year.”

NEXT … Schuylkill Haven will face No. 3 seed Marian Friday for the 2A title. The Colts defeated Williams Valley 6-0 in the other semifinal game.

Panther Vy. 011 200 0 - 4 5 1

Sch. Haven 030 235 x - 13 6 4

Kokinda, Hafer (5), Buzzard (5), Kindt (6), Pavlik (7) and Taras; Dress, Schaeffer (6) and A. Clauser. W - Dress. L - Kokinda.