Panola Women’s Basketball opened the 2026  calendar year with a split at the Evelyn Blaylock Classic, finishing 1–1 in Kilgore, Texas. 

Day One: Overtime Heartbreaker

The Fillies tipped off the tournament with a hard-fought overtime thriller that ultimately ended in a 69–65 loss. Panola battled throughout regulation and had several opportunities at the rim late, but missed chances kept the game within reach and pushed it into overtime. Once the extra period began, Midland seized the momentum and never looked back, pulling away in the final minutes. Despite the outcome, the Fillies’ effort and composure in a tightly contested matchup set the tone for the tournament.

Day Two: Defense Leads the Way

On day two, Panola WBB responded with grit and focus, leaning heavily on its defensive identity to secure a victory. The Fillies forced multiple turnovers, disrupted passing lanes, and came up with crucial back-to-back stops down the stretch. That defensive intensity fueled key possessions and allowed Panola to control the tempo and close out the win.