The Inaugural Mary Otwell Classic

The Inaugural Mary Otwell Classic

CARTHAGE, Texas — The Panola College Fillies turned in a stellar performance over the weekend, securing two victories at the annual Mary Ann Otwell Classic, including a dominant win over Wiley College and a nail-biter against Pearl River.

In their tournament opener, the Fillies came out firing on all cylinders, defeating Wiley 90–50 in commanding fashion. Panola’s fast-paced offense and aggressive defense set the tone early, as the team built a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Multiple Fillies reached double figures in scoring, showcasing the team’s depth and unselfish play.

The second matchup, however, provided a much different test. Facing a tough Pearl River squad, the Fillies found themselves locked in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final seconds. With the game tied and the crowd on its feet, Shaine Parker calmly sank a pair of free throws to give Panola the edge. The Fillies’ defense held strong in the closing moments to secure a thrilling 50–48 victory.

Adding to the special atmosphere of the tournament, Mary Ann Otwell—the legendary former coach for whom the event is named—was in attendance. She was joined by several former Fillies players, who gathered to cheer on the next generation of Panola basketball talent.

The Fillies will look to carry their momentum into next week as they continue their non-conference slate before opening Region XIV play.