Conference: 6A-South
Coach: Jerry Chumley
Assistant coach: Tosha Rook
Last year’s record: 14-14 overall and 9-5 in the conference.
Returning starters: Brook Million, a senior, (5-5 shooting guard and point guard) is the team’s best 3-point shooter, Chumley said. Another senior, Bailey Gately (5-8 forward), who Chumley said is the best rebounder and the best athlete on the team, is returning, along with junior Madison Brooks (5-8 post player), the team’s leading scorer and rebounder last year, and Kori Parker, a junior forward who Chumley said was a good all-around player and a good shooter from mid-range.
Best inside players: Brooks and Gately are skilled to go inside and score, the coach said.
Best outside players: Million and Parker are strong along the perimeter, in 3-point territory. Chumley said sophomore Allison Reynolds (5-8 point guard) is expected to make a big contribution to the team. “She was the best player on the junior high team to move up. She is now playing volleyball, but the coach said he is confident she will be ready for the first games of the season. Carmen King, another sophomore is expected to contribute from the point, Chumley said.
How does this team compare to last year’s? “Last year’s team was very tough, and hard-nosed.” Chumley said. “This team is more talented, but still has to be toughened. But that will happen through the season.” The coach said he expects this season’s Lady Panthers to be ranked in the top half of the conference. “I’m not saying we will win them all, but we will have a chance in all of them.”
Strengths of the team: “The strength is defense,” Chumley said. “They’re athletic and teams will find it hard to score on them. We have a nice offense, but the defense is our number one asset.”
Weaknesses of the team: The Lady Panthers lack depth, the coach said. “We don’t have enough players, he said. “We need to get another two or three players ready to come off the bench to be ready for the long physical games we see in the 6A-South.
Games to watch: The first name mentioned by Chumley was Saline County rival Bryant. “They have beaten us in the last several years,” he said. “We have plans to change that.” Other big conference opponents are Sheridan (Jan. 13 at home and Feb. 10 in Sheridan) and El Dorado (Jan. 20 at home and Feb 21 in El Dorado).