Fannie Lou Hamer is 17-0 and defense is key

Fannie Lou Hamer is now 17-0 overall and ranked number 2 in New York State Class B. Looking at Fannie Lou Hamer's game results, one can see that defense has been a significant contributing factor towards the Panthers' success so far this season. Through 17 games, Marc Skelton's squad has allowed just 39.3 points per contest and has held opponents to less than 50 points in all but two games (51 points in a win against Jane Addams and 64 points in a win against South Bronx Prep). What makes these numbers even more impressive is that the PSAL has implemented the 35 second shot clock in the B Division this season, which would ordinarily suggest higher scoring numbers. Although Fannie Lou Hamer has had its share of lopsided victories, it has also won a number of nail-biters, including a 43-42 win over Morris Educational Campus in the season-opener, a 42-40 non-league win over Metropolitan Campus and a 67-64 win over Bronx B-3 Division leader South Bronx Prep. Perhaps the most impressive win that Fannie Lou Hamer has on its resume so far is a 51-34 win over defending New York State Federation Class B runner-up Maspeth High School, who is currently in 1st place in the Queens B West I Division. Fannie Lou Hamer will get tested this Friday, when it faces BCAM, who is currently in second place in the Brooklyn B West Division (9-1). As the expression goes, "defense wins championships."  If Fannie Lou Hamer continues to get it done on the defensive end, look for the Panthers to make a deep playoff run this season.