The Paul VI varsity boys basketball team is experiencing a good season thus far. The Panthers, coached by Levi Franklin (second season), have won four of their past five contests.

Despite a 68-63 loss to Gonzaga on Jan. 25, PVI currently weighs in with an overall record of 12-6 and a conference mark of 6-3. The Panthers were scheduled to host McNamara Jan. 28 (too late for this edition).

The "Black and Gold" led Gonzaga 40-31 at halftime and also had a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter.

Gonzaga (the third-ranked team in the entire area by the Washington Post), however, stormed back to prevail late in the fourth quarter.

Pacing the Panthers were senior Steve Proctor (21 points), junior Ryan Williams (20), senior Joe Cascio (10) and junior Darryl Proctor (eight).

Prior to the Gonzaga loss the "Black and Gold" had defeated St. John’s 71-67 (Jan. 17), McNamara 53-50 (Jan. 18), Ireton 60-54 (Jan. 21) and Carroll 2-0 (Jan. 22). The Carroll game was a forfeit, thus accounting for unusual score. It was their sixth conference win this season.

In the three wins (St. John’s, McNamara and Ireton) Steve Proctor led the way with a combined 46 points; Darryl Proctor (33); senior Nick Grant (31) and Ryan Williams (30).