Panthers looking to get back in win column

The Johnston boys’ basketball team has endured a tough stretch as of late.

After starting its league schedule with a flawless 6-0 record, the Panthers have lost six straight games to Barrington, Westerly, Portsmouth, Tolman, Shea and Narragansett.

Injuries in their regular rotation have plagued the Panthers over that six-game stretch, but they’ll have a good opportunity to get back in the win column this evening. Johnston is set to host West Warwick (3-9) at 7 p.m. – a team that has lost seven of its last eight games.

The Panthers have received tremendous play from senior shooting guard Ryan Yankee (24.2 points per game) for the whole season, and fellow senior Nas Vasquez (13.9 ppg) has been a key contributor, as well.

That play from Yankee and Vasquez should continue, but contributions from other sources will be key as Johnston enters the final six games of its season.

The Panthers have shown, when fully healthy, that they can be a contender in Division II.

They’ll have tough matchups at Pilgrim (9-3) and at Chariho (8-3) next week, so those should be good tests for the Panthers, as picking up some wins and gaining some confidence will be crucial for them with the division playoffs rapidly approaching.