PAULDING, Ohio (WLIO) — The Green Meadows Conference champion Paulding Panthers used a dominant first half to defeat the Swanton Bulldogs 64-26 in Division V tournament action Friday night.

Top-seeded Paulding (No. 1 seed) hosted seventh-seeded Swanton (6-15) in a matchup of unfamiliar opponents. After trailing early, the Panthers quickly took control and never relinquished the lead.

Jordan Manz helped spark Paulding’s offense in the opening quarter, cutting Swanton’s early advantage to 5-4.

The Panthers continued to build momentum with a transition basket from Manz following a mid-air spin move and assist that put Paulding in front.

Xander Kuckuck connected with Tyson Manz inside for two points as the Panthers carried their lead into the second quarter.

In the second period, Blake Ronehouse attacked the lane for a basket to extend the lead to 18-12. Paulding continued to capitalize on its momentum, adding another score from Kuckuck.

With 39 seconds remaining in the first half, Kuckuck buried a 3-pointer to send the Panthers into halftime with a 12-point advantage.

Paulding pulled away in the second half, outscoring Swanton decisively to secure the 64-26 victory.

The Panthers advance to face Liberty Center on Tuesday at Napoleon High School.

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