ORANGE PARK - After a pair of losses, Monday to Oakleaf, and Tuesday to St. Johns Country Day, the Ridgeview Lady Panthers knew it was time to right the ship and get back to their winning ways. The visiting Providence School Lady Stallions, riding a 15-4 record, with wins against some formidable opponents, would be no easy pushover.

Friday’s showdown in Orange Park was a defensive showcase topped by drives and layups to build the second-half score. The Panther’s defense, led by Nia and Nacoya Blocton, closed down the lane on the Stallions to the point that Providence only scored three three-pointers from the outside the entire fourth quarter as Ridgeview put the Stallions back in the stable with a 43-32 Friday night win. Ridgeview improves to 15-7 for the season.

“The third quarter we brought back the intensity we had in the first quarter,” said Panther’s Head Tyler Miller. “When we went for a steal, we went full out ready for a steal and we were out of position. We talked about moving with the ball instead of trying to reach in and you’ll just naturally get steals.”

The advice worked as the Panthers continued to gain momentum on defense as the game went on. Emma Rayes seemed to have the handle on when to pick the Stallions' pockets and find herself with the ball. As Rayes drove and drew defenders, her favorite tonight seemed to be Nacoya Blocton who could find an opening, take the pass and drive. Blocton finished with 16 on the night. If Blocton wasn’t open, Paetyn Miller was the other inside shooter who also finished with 16.

“This has been a week,” said Miller. With St. Johns and Oakleaf, followed today by Providence, we had three really, really great teams. I’m just glad to we were able to at least get one this week. We played amazing this week. It’s just it didn’t always come our way, so it was good to see that we were able to hold on to that lead, and still be physical without fouling.”