LANETT — The Lanett High School Panthers men’s basketball team has had an interesting New Year’s.

On Saturday, the team lost against Scott County, Ky., in the consolation bracket 71-44 in the Beach Ball Classic in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but the loss didn’t sting as badly as one would expect.

Coach Richard Carter noted that Scott County, the next day, won the consolation bracket title.

“We learned a lot and got a lot of great experience,” he said, adding that the team did well with only a few days of practice. “I’m very pleased with our young men.”

After leaving South Carolina, the team traveled to Duluth, Ga., to compete in the Big South Shootout where they defeated the Milton High School Eagles 71-70.

Leading the way for the Panthers was Anquevious Pollard with 24 points and 19 rebounds; followed by Emanuel Littles, 19 and 5; and Ty Truitt, 17 points and 4 assists.

Carter, before the team played Milton, said his players were getting a lot of exposure and learning a lot.

He said he was reminded of retired former coach John Woody of LaFayette.

“He [Woody] told me once that all these kids need to do is just play,” Carter recollected. “I guess that’s what we’re doing, and I know they’re going to do their best.”

The Lanett Panthers are now back home and preparing to play against the LaFayette High School Bulldogs.

“It’s going to be a big game,” Carter said.