For the first quarter and a half of their Tuesday visit to Pops Dale Gymnasium, the Putnam County Panthers looked to be on their way to their first victory of the young season.

Instead, the host Streator Bulldogs got theirs.

Sophomore post Alexis Thomas’ old-fashioned three-point play four minutes, eight seconds before halftime erased Putnam County’s last advantage, and Rhea Huey’s bankshot jumper a minute and a half later gave the Bulldogs the lead for good in their eventual 37-24 nonconference triumph at the Pops.

The win lifts Streator to 1-6. Putnam County falls to 0-6.

“It definitely feels amazing to get that first win,” said senior Bulldogs guard Ava Gwaltney, whose 13-point second quarter on a swollen ankle suffered the previous night turned the tide Tuesday. “And just havin

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