The Royal Valley basketball teams picked up a pair of wins on Friday night at Jackson Heights to tip off the 2023-2024 season. 

Girls: Royal Valley 49, Jackson Heights 31

Royal Valley used a strong second quarter to pull ahead of Jackson Heights on their way to win #1 of the season. The Panthers led 12-8 after the first quarter but outscored the Cobras 19-6 in the second to lead the game 31-14 at halftime. 

Jackson Heights was unable to put a significant run together in the second half and was unable to get much closer than 12 or 14 points. 

Royal Valley was led by Panno Wahwassuck with 13 points while Samantha Klotz finished with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Athena Broaddus added 10 points and eight rebounds. 

The Panthers finished the game with 12 turnovers, 27 rebounds, they were 7/16 from the free throw line, and hit 6 three's. 

The Cobras were led by Dawson Cochren who finished with 13 points and nine rebounds. Brynn Shupe and Taylor Bosley each added eight points. 

Jackson Heights finished with 14 turnovers, 24 rebounds, they were 6/10 from the free throw line, and they hit 3 three's. 

Boys: Royal Valley 68, Jackson Heights 57

The Panthers got hot from behind the arc early and often and were able to hold off a Cobra's rally in the end to get the win. 

Matt Buskirk led the charge as he hit 3 three's in the first few minutes of the game to get Royal Valley out to an early lead. 

The Panthers led 21-12 after one, 34-27 at halftime, and 50-42 going into the fourth quarter. The Cobras got within five and six points multiple times throughout the fourth quarter but couldn't get much closer. 

Four players finished in double-figures for Royal Valley led by Buskirk with 19 points (5 three's), Carson Beam finished with 15, Landon Gilbert with 12 points and seven rebounds, and Jaxson Stevens finished with 10. 

Jaden Gueye led the Cobras with 15 points while Drake Mellies and Weston Schultejans each finished with 13 points. Schultejans also added 12 rebounds. 

Royal Valley finished the game with 14 turnovers, 29 rebounds, they hit 11/16 free throws, and finished the game with 13 three's. 

Jackson Heights finished the game with 19 turnovers, 29 rebounds, they hit 11/19 free throws, and they were able to connect on 9 three's. 

Up next for both on Tuesday, Jackson Heights will host ACCHS while Royal Valley will be on the road at Jefferson West.