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Ana Sofia Meyer / TPI Elmore County guard Asher Justice gets by a Valley defender on a fast-break in the Panthers' second area game against the Rams. The Panthers lost 48-35.

Effort and a drive to compete has been the overarching theme for coach Nate Taylor and the Elmore County Panthers’ boys basketball team this season. At the beginning of the season, Taylor didn’t hesitate to criticize his team for its lack of effort and desire to win. With the area tournament in sight, that’s changed for the better. 

The Panthers went out to Valley on Thursday night, facing a well-rounded, athletic team with a high basketball IQ and a championship pedigree, 48-35.