The Olive-Harvey Panthers secured a much-needed victory on January 4, 2025, with a solid 85-79 road win over the McHenry Scots. With the win, Olive-Harvey improved to 5-10 on the season, showing off their offensive firepower and resilience down the stretch.

The Panthers were led by a standout performance from Derrick Hicks, who put on an efficient shooting clinic, scoring 28 points on 11-of-16 from the field and 5-of-6 from the free-throw line. Hicks was a steady presence throughout the game, both scoring inside and hitting from mid-range, keeping the Scots’ defense on their heels.

Joining Hicks in the scoring effort was Jessie Bates, who chipped in 25 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Bates’ ability to connect from deep and drive to the basket helped Olive-Harvey maintain a balanced offensive attack. Carey Spates added 17 points on an impressive 7-of-10 shooting, providing consistent scoring and hustle plays that helped the Panthers stay ahead.

Olive-Harvey’s offense was firing on all cylinders, shooting a remarkable 62.3% from the field as a team. Their efficient ball movement and shot selection were key to building their lead, particularly in the first half, where they took a 40-35 lead into halftime. The Panthers held their composure in the second half, withstanding multiple runs from McHenry, and closed out the game with timely baskets and solid free-throw shooting.

On the defensive end, Olive-Harvey was aggressive, forcing 27 turnovers from the Scots, which translated into fast-break points and extra possessions. While McHenry’s Kijuan Stricklin (25 points) and Caeden Myers (23 points, 14 rebounds) kept the Scots competitive, Olive-Harvey’s defense stepped up in crucial moments, with 9 steals and clutch stops down the stretch.