Men's Basketball (22-5) had all they could handle for the first two quarters in Friday's district semifinal game against West Orange. On the line: a trip to the class 6A playoffs. All square at 25 the Panthers went into the locker room  tied in a game that was shaping up to be another great finish in what has been dubbed the "district of death" (district 5-6A).  The Warriors who were riding a 16 game win streak into the semi final match-up returned from half time and scored the half’s first points.  With their backs against the wall the Panthers went on a 17-0 run and all but shut the door on the game.  DP outscored their opponents 23-8 in third quarter with the Panther defense being the foundation to the run.  "Defense was the key to the win," said head coach Anthony Long. Dr. Phillips only allowed 17 points in the final two quarters in route to a convincing 66-42 victory.

Shane Larkin was the difference maker for the Panthers on this night pouring in a game high 31 points to go along with four steals, two assists, and two rebounds.  Damani Cade had a game high eleven rebounds and six assists.  Kirby Lubin had one of his finest games as a Panther scoring 13 points and pulling down nine rebounds. With senior forward Chris Thomas (five points, three rebounds) in foul trouble Keenan Green came off the bench with a great performance contributing eight points and five rebounds.

Tonight the Panthers will take on number three seed Wekiva in the finals of the district tournament.  Back in January DP scored a hard fought 52-47 victory over Wekiva in Mustang Arena, the same floor which will host tonight’s district final game.  The Panthers need the BLUE  ZOO out in full force Saturday night in what will be a classic matchup, game time 7:00 p.m.