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NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Darrin Quarles shoots a layup during the district championship game against the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats on Thursday. The Panthers won the district 13 championship 72-57.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Zach Hines wears the net around his neck as he is congratulated by fans after their 72-57 win over the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats on Friday.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Jordan Kennedy cuts down the net after their 72-57 district championship win over the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats on Friday.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza The Russellville Panthers win the 13th district championship after they beat the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats 72-57 on Friday.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza The Russellville Panther student section cheers for the team during the 13th district championship game on Friday.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Head coach Phil Todd talks with the players during their third quarter of the district championship game on Friday against the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats. The Panthers won 72-57 to claim the 13th district championship title.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Darrin Quarles moves the ball down the court during the district championship game against the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats on Thursday. The Panthers won the 13th district championship 72-57.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Jordan Kennedy shoots a layup during the district championship game against the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats on Thursday. The Panthers won the district 13 championship 72-57.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Head coach Phil Todd discusses a call during the district championship game on Friday. The Panthers beat the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats 72-57 to win the 13th district championship.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Jordan Kennedy dunks the ball during their district championship game against the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats on Thursday. Kennedy led the Panthers with 23 points.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Russellville assistant coach Ryan Davenport gives players high fives players as the Panthers led 40-23 going into halftime of the game on Friday.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Senior Zach Hines and Lee McMurry try to steal the ball from a Franklin-Simpson Wildcat during the district championship game on Friday. The Panthers won 72-57 to claim the 13th district championship win.

NDL Photo/Crystin Faenza Head coach Phil Todd cuts down the net after the Russellville Panthers championship win on Friday. The Panthers beat the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats 72-57 to claim the championship title.

Thursday night the Russellville Panthers faced the Franklin-Simpson Wildcats in the 13th district championship game. The Panthers would sweep in with an easy win of 72-57 to claim the championship title.

The Panthers and the Wildcats started the game close together. The two teams battled back and forth, but the Panthers were able to seal a five point lead of 21-16 at the end of the first quarter. The Panthers had another big quarter, outscoring the Wildcats 19-7 to gain a big lead. The Panthers finished the first half up 40-23.

The Panthers came out and continued to dominate the game. The Wildcats fought hard, but the Panthers maintained the lead, finishing the third quarter up 54-40.

The final quarter was another big quarter for the Panthers. Their defense was able to keep the Wildcats from a comeback while they continued to make good plays. The Panthers would finish the night as the 13th district champions.

Senior Jordan Kennedy was the overall points leader for the night with 23 points. Christian Naylor finished the game with 15 and senior Darrin Quarles with 12 points. Barrett Croslin ended the night with 10 points, Senior Josh Hampton with eight points and senior Zach Hines with four points.

“I think we did outstanding as a team tonight. Josh Hampton came out and made us look like a different team. I’m very satisfied, they boys did a good job,” said head coach Phil Todd. “They got things done. They all played hard and Franklin-Simpson played tough too.”

The Panthers will head to Diddle Arena this week to compete in the regional tournament.