Big win for Imhotep Panthers sends them to ‘elite 8’

The Imhotep Institute Charter School Panthers went into last Friday’s city public league ‘sweet 16’ round of boys basketball feeling quiet, but confident. They left with an 85 to 46 blowout against Boys Latin Charter under their belts, and trip to tonight’s round of 8 game against Philadelphia Electrical and Technology Charter High School.

Coach Andre Noble was pleased with the practices his defending city champs had leading up to last week’s game, and for his team, where no one player stands out as the  star offensive force, that kind of focus usually leads to a win.

But tonight’s game at South Philadelphia High School is a bit more of a question mark. The Panthers have not yet faced the fourth ranked Chargers this year, and while Noble says he and the the team have been doing their homework, those all important practice session, where the mental game really starts to gel, have been a bit less than he would like.

“It has been a little off the last few days,” he said. “Practices haven’t been great, which is a concern, but hopefully we’ll be able to perform well tomorrow.”

Sometimes things go that way, Noble says. Sometimes the focus only comes at tip off.

The Imhotep Panthers have lost just three games this season, of 26. And only one of those was in this state (to Friends Central). Philadelphia Electrical is no slouch either. It’s coming off of a 59-57 squeaker against Vaux High Friday night with only 4 losses this year in 24 games.

The video above shows game action and the team’s response to Friday’s Imhotep win.