Jason Jimenez pullds down a rebound in front of Standish-Sterling's Kevin Goretcki during SSC's 56-34 victory.
Linda Eyer
Standish-Sterling's Jason Kandal (32) drives the lane against Oscoda during Thursday's contest.

STANDISH-STERLING - Dec. 20, 2007 - Finally getting a chance to play at home, the Standish-Sterling boys basketball team wasted no time making an impression on their fans.

The Panthers took a 19-4 first quarter lead and handed Oscoda a 56-34 defeat that was the Owls' first loss of the year.

"We got off to a great start," said SSC coach Tom Murray. "I'm very pleased with how we rebounded from our loss on Tuesday. We moved the ball much better and played much better overall.

"And it was good to be home."

Kevin Goretcki scored 12 of his game-high 17 points in the first half to help the Panthers build a 33-15 lead at the break. SSC focused its defensive efforts on the potent Oscoda tandem of Adam Dettmer and Jason Jimenez. The two combined for 21 points, but only 13 in the first three quarters.

"I thought we played very well defensively on Dettmer and Jimenez," Murray said.

Dettmer finished with 12 points and Jimenez nine.

Austin Collier added 10 points for the Panthers (3-3, 2-1 NEMC), who next play at home on Jan. 3 against John Glenn.

Oscoda (5-1, 1-1) hosts Pinconning, also on Jan. 3.