Austin boys making progress

Their record still starts with a zero, but the Austin Panthers are making steady progress as the 2007-08 boys' basketball season moves along.

First-year head coach Don Ayers' Panthers carry a 0-8 record into the Port Allegany Tournament Dec 26-27.

"There is a lot we need to work on," Ayers said. "The main thing is that we're continuing to strive for improvement."

Junior Tim Cheplic scored 17 points in each of Austin's last two games, a 55-31 setback at Ridgway and a 44-29 loss to visiting Liberty.