In their home opener to start the 2012 varsity basketball season, Chapel Hill split their games with the visiting Villa Rica Wildcats.

The Lady Panthers took home a 50-36 victory, while the boys fell 74-47.

Starting off the night's action, the Lady Panthers took the lead early, going up 13-9, to end the opening period.

In what turned out to be a heated second, it was Chapel Hill that continued to dominate in their initial possessions. But with four minutes until the half, the Lady Wildcats quickly bounced back into the game after back-to-back three pointers.

However, Chapel Hill continued to attack the rim and went to the half with a 33-19 lead.

With both sides coming out after the break playing tough defense, the Lady Panthers continued to hold their ground on offense, going to the final period up 45-31.

Although the Lady Panthers did not put up a lot of numbers offensively in the fourth, their solid and consistent play allowed them to hold on for a 50-36 win.

"This win was great for these girls and I'm just really proud of the poise and confidence they played with tonight", said Lady Panther head coach Christopher Long.

Kaniesha Mixon led the night with 13 points total and was trailed closely by Erica Jones with 12.

Villa Rica's top performer was Brittany Wright with 10.

In the night's second match-up, it was the boys taking the floor in a thrilling, full-court battle.

Both sides came out with a forceful attack on the rim to start the game and after a heated first period, it was the Panthers squirming ahead with a 14-12 lead.

Putting up a quick eight to start the second, Villa Rica quickly gained momentum and pulled ahead. But the Panthers were quick to regroup and battle back. By closing the gap, Chapel Hill was only at a two-point deficit going to the half with a score of 33-31.

Continuing with the fast pace from the first half of play, both teams came out firing and playing full throttle on both ends. However, coming out with an on target offense, Villa Rica took key shots and a 52-38 advantage over Chapel Hill.

Never losing their momentum, the Wildcats continued forcing their shots and finding the basket in the fourth. Although the Panthers continued to press, Villa Rica would come away with a 74-47 win.

"I did see some positives tonight and when you are transitioning and working on applying a new offense, you are going to have some growing pains", said Chapel Hill head coach Lee Wilson.

Aries Phoenix was the top scorer with eight points for the Panthers.

Villa Rica's Josh Lay earned 17 on the night.