A huge debut for freshman Michaela Jean-Phillippe (Binghamton/Binghamton H.S.) led the Panthers women's basketball team to a 66-36 season-opening win over Genesee Community College on Saturday. The loss drops Genesee to 1-3 overall and 0-2 in the Mid-State Athletic Conference.

The Panthers took control of the game early, with Jean-Phillippe draining a 3-pointer on the opening possession. The home team never trailed, racing to a 16-6 lead after the first quarter and growing it to 27-11 at the half. The Panthers were never threatened, outscoring the Cougars 39-25 in the second half to put the game away.

Jean-Phillippe finished with big numbers in her first collegiate game: 29 points, 19 rebounds, and 7 steals. Rylan Robicheaux (Lockport, La./Central Lafourche H.S.) also posted a double-double in her first game, finishing with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Neroj Barwari (Union-Endicott/Union-Endicott H.S.) added 11 points and Amyra Portillos (Sandia Park, N.M./Manzano H.S.) went for 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

Looking ahead

The Panthers host Onondaga Community College on Wednesday, November 13.