It was a strong start to 2024 for the Orange men’s basketball team. The Panthers had two wire-to-wire wins over Western Alamance and Walter Williams. On Friday night, Orange rolled past Walter Williams 77-40 in Hillsborough in a game that had a wide assortment of dunks, blocked shots and sharp interior passing. Junior Xandrell Pennix finished with 19 points and six rebounds. Pennix finished 5-of-10 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range. Against Western Alamance, senior center Ryan Honeycutt came away with a double-double, registering 12 points and eleven rebounds. Against Williams on Friday night, Honeycutt finished with ten points and six rebounds. Honeycutt and forward Mason Robinson helped Orange block nine shots compared to only two for the Bulldogs. The Panthers defense forced 21 turnovers. Orange is the only undefeated team in league play in the Central Conference at 3-0. Nest week, the Panthers will have two crucial battles. On Tuesday, the Panthers host crosstown rival Cedar Ridge, who upset Person last week. On Friday night, the Panthers face their Highway 57 rival, the Person Rockets. Person defeated Orange three times last season, including once in the Central Conference Tournament. Overall, the Rockets have beaten Orange five straight times. Last year in Hillsborough, the Rockets got a field goal with two seconds remaining to beat Orange and finish second in the Central Conference behind Northwood.