This year’s team appears to be headed in the right direction, however, thanks to second-year head coach John McHenry and a spate of talented upperclassmen.
The Panthers also figure to benefit from moving to Class 3A after playing at Class 4A for several years.
“We’ve been executing a lot of good things, and we had players in the gym over the summer,” said McHenry. “I’m excited.”
Guards hope to distribute and score
Looking to ignite the Panthers offense this season will be guards Nicole Demby and Kiselya Plewe. Both are quick and athletic, and the two will alternate between point guard and shooting guard and look to initiate the Panthers’ new swing offense.
“Our new offense is similar to what Bo Ryan runs at the (University of Wisconsin),” said McHenry. “It’s a high-post flex. It gives us a lot of triangles and a lot of flex cuts under the basket. We should be able to get a lot of three-pointers off it.”
Also figuring to contribute from the guard position will be seniors Naomi Pinnecoose and juniors Abriana Conklin and Yanibah Bayles, who are all solid defenders and also capable of scoring.
Sharpshooting senior Savannah Jacket, who led M-CHS in three-point field goals last season, will look to provide a spark off the bench.
“(The guards) just want to get open looks for our posts,” said Demby. If its not there, we want to drive in and score. I’m excited (for the season) because our team is way closer than it has ever been.”
Posts have improved since last year
In the post, the Panthers figure to be led by seniors Abby Chupp, Kelsey Ralston and Chantell Manual and junior Tayla Topaha.
According to McHenry, all four players improved their footwork and strength over the summer and figure to match up well against opponents at the Class 3A level. Coach McHenry also emphasized that all four players will be relied upon to protect the rim and play solid man-to-man defense.
“I think dropping to (Class 3A) will help relax us and help us stay within our system,” said Topaha. “We’re still trying to figure everything out, but we’re going to try as hard as we can.”
New league promises new challenges
Because of their move to Class 3A, M-CHS will compete in the Intermountain League this season. Included in the league will be Alamosa, Centauri, Bayfield and Monte Vista and defending Class 3A state champion Pagosa Springs.
The Panthers open their regular season on the road against Delta High School on Dec. 5. M-CHS opens its league schedule on the road against Centauri on Jan. 9.
As for M-CHS’s goals this season, McHenry said that after the M-CHS football team’s success in the fall, no possibility is being discounted.
“Football energized us, and we can’t drop the ball,” said McHenry. “I gave the girls a quote book, and it says, ‘March 15, why not us?’” Our goal is to make it to the state tournament.”