PANORA — The 2015-16 girls basketball season for Panorama was a successful one, with the Panthers finishing 17-6 overall and 12-4 in West Central Conference play.
While many would happily accept such a record, a talented Panther squad is eyeing the possibility of moving up a few notches on the ladder, and for good reason, as plenty of pieces are in place to make a deep run.
Bailey Beckman is the returning leading scorer after averaging 12.7 points per game last winter. She pulled down 75 rebounds and made off with 59 steals as well while also providing 56 assists.
Devyn Kemble (11.3 ppg) also returns. She is the top rebounder back, with 88 caroms, and had 61 steals last season.
The combination of Beckman and Kemble were strong beyond the 3-point arc last year, with the former draining 24-of-70 (34 percent) and the latter 41-of-89 (46 percent, fourth best in Class 2A among those with at least 50 attempted treys). Both excelled at the foul line as well, with Beckman sinking 88-of-121 (72 percent) and Kemble 46-of-61 (75 percent).
Morgan Johnk (6.4 ppg, 85 rebounds) is also back, as are Hope Wilderman (4.0 ppg, 75 rebounds) and Faith Powell (4.2 ppg, 73 rebounds, 40 assists).
Des Moines Christian and Van Meter were both 15-1 in WCC play last year, and while DMC does not start the year ranked in Class 2A, Van Meter is firmly ensconced in the fifth spot. Just behind are the Panthers, who open their campaign Tuesday at Bondurant-Farrar at the eighth-ranked team in 2A.
Panorama’s girls will be joined by the Panther boys for a trio of twin sets in the week after Thanksgiving. Up first are road trips to both DMC (Nov. 29) and West Central Valley (Dec. 1). Both dates will begin with girls games at 6 p.m. The Panthers will then host IKM-Manning Dec. 2 for a girls/boys set, with the girls contest tipping at 1 p.m.
