PEYTON • The Peyton boys’ basketball team was ready to roll out the hoses Friday night. The Panthers (20-2) had to withstand a third-quarter scoring barrage by visiting Sheridan before racking up an 83-61 Class 3A regional victory.

The hosts bolted out to a 33-10 halftime lead, only to watch the Rams pour in 32 third-quarter points to close the gap to 56-42.

“I was hoping someone would call the firetrucks,” senior Brett Green said.

“They just couldn’t miss in the third quarter,” senior Chris Spurling added.

Sheridan (11-12) trimmed the lead to 64-54 midway through the final period. But Green, who led all scorers with 27 points, responded with a 3-pointer and six consecutive free throws in a 17-4 run that sealed the win.

“You’ve just got to keep playing your game,” said Green, who was 8-for-8 at the foul line.

Chris Spurling had 18 points and 10 rebounds and Chandler Bartlett had 15 points and 10 assists.

The Panthers, winners of 20 straight, play host to Gunnison, a 63-54 winner over Strasburg, at 1 p.m. today.

Sierra guard Kelby Dias, center, went up for a shot against Pueblo West’s Barry Halley as Sierra’s Kamryn Williams looked on. Photo by KIRK SPEER, THE GAZETTE