Story by Wes Merriott

Parkway Boys’ basketball hosted C.E. Byrd in the second district matchup for the Panthers in the 2023-2024 season Friday night. After a close loss to Southwood Tuesday, the Panthers were looking for an opportunity to prove themselves in a challenging district.

“Byrd is a much tougher team than their record would tell you,” Parkway head coach Brian Rayner told sobo.live. “They can be dangerous.”

Byrd opened up with the first points on the board, but sophomore Antonio Gladney answered quickly, and Brhaelyn Brown served up his first of many three pointers. Parkway maintained pressure on Byrd to end the first period 21 – 18.

Byrd responded with physicality and speed to put up 6 points quickly in the opening minutes on the second quarter. A three-pointer three minutes into the second period gave the Yellow Jackets their only lead of the game. The Panthers responded brilliantly with multiple “Downtown” Brown three-pointers, and ended the half 46-30.

Recognizing the threat posed by sophomore Kaleb Williams, Byrd pressed and double-teamed “KB” repeateedly, effectively limiting him in the second half. Mayweather, Brown, and Gladney however were able to effectively move the ball and score unchallenged for the remainder of the game. Parkway finished on top 76 – 61, and moved to 1-1 in District 1-5A. Brhaelyn Brown led the pack with 16 points, “Phat” Mayweather scored 15, and Antonio Gladney rounded out the top three with 10 points.

Note: Parkway returns to The Cage Tuesday night for a home matchup wit cross-town rival Airline. That game will be broadcase on sobo.live with Shane Cheatham and Keith Sutton calling the action.