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NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Barret Croslin hits a three-point shot early in their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. Croslin led the Panthers with 23 points.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Josh Hampton shoots a layup during their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. The Panthers ended their season after falling short 69-72 to the Lakers.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Jordan Kennedy moves the ball down the court during their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. The Panthers ended their season after falling short 69-72 to the Lakers.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Josh Hampton fights his way to the hoop during their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. The Panthers ended their season after falling short 69-72 to the Lakers.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Christian Naylor guards a Laker during their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. The Panthers ended their season after falling short 69-72 to the Lakers.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Barret Croslin shoots a layup during their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. Croslin led the Panthers with 23 points.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Head coach Phil Todd discusses strategy before the final quarter of their semifinal game on Friday. The Panthers would end their season after falling short 69-72 to the Russell County Lakers.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Zach Hines moves the ball toward the hoop during their semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers during the regional tournament on Friday. The Panthers ended their season after falling short 69-72 to the Lakers.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza The Russellville Panther student section cheers on the Panthers during the fourth quarter of the semifinal game against the Russell County Lakers. The Panthers ended their season after falling short 69-72 to the Lakers.

The Russellville Panthers fought hard in the semifinals of the Fourth Region Tournament on Friday at E.A. Diddle Arena, but ended their season after falling short 72-69 to the Russell County Lakers.

The Panthers started strong in the first quarter of the game. The Panthers gained an early lead but the Lakers were quick to turn the game around. Both teams battled back and forth through the first quarter but the Panthers ended the quarter with a lead of 23-21.

The Lakers tied the game 23-23 early in the second quarter, but the Panthers kept pushing forward and gained back their lead. The Panthers would remain in the lead throughout the quarter, leading 35-31 going into the half.

The Panthers remained in the lead until halfway through the third quarter. The Lakers would fight to tie the game 42-42. The Panthers fought back, but the Lakers would eventually take the lead. The Panthers ended the third quarter down 44-49.

The Lakers took off in the fourth quarter, gaining a lead by eight early in the quarter. But the Panthers were not ready to give up yet. With 41 seconds to go, the Panthers would comeback and catch up to the Lakers 66-67. The Panthers were close to taking the win, but there was not enough time for them make the plays they wanted. The Panthers fell 69-72.

Barrett Croslin was the points leader for the game with 23 points. Senior Jordan Kennedy ended the game with 15 points. Christian Naylor contributed 11 points and senior Josh Hampton had 10.

“I think we did the job offensively the first half but our defense was slacking a bit. In the third quarter we were not making shots. But I’m proud of how they fought back,” said head coach Phil Todd. “I’m proud of the ball game. I think they represented Russellville High School well. We want to thank the coaches, parents, school staff and the community. These boys came a long way and fell short. But they fought from start to finish.”