PANORA — Two seasons ago the Panorama boys basketball team struggles to a 6-16 record. That mark improved to 13-11 last year, and head coach Nic Peasley is determined to see even better results this season.
“I like our chemistry on the floor and like pieces we have returning,” Peasley said. “There are some good teams in our conference, so nothing is going to be easy, but I think our guys are up to the challenge. I believe we can have another good year if we are willing to work for it.”
The Panthers averaged 57.4 points per game last winter while shooting 39.9 percent from the floor, a rate that includes a 107-of-368 (29.1 percent) accuracy from beyond the 3-point arc. The team hit 70.4 percent of their foul shots, with Peasley stating “that number needs to be higher, and we also need to get to the line more often.”
Panorama pulled down 593 rebounds (24.7 rpg), made 275 assists, had 218 steals and blocked 46 shots. They were guilty of 263 turnovers, certainly a survivable rate, but one which Peasley — like all coaches — would like to see trimmed.
“I am looking for us to take a little better care of the ball and shoot it a little better,” he said. “Fortunately, I believe experience will help us do both of those things.”
Seniors Kolby Shackelford and Malachi Peasley will be looked upon to provided leadership.
Shackelford averaged 12.8 points per game last year, sinking 72-of-87 (82.8 percent) at the foul line while draining 49-of-128 (38.3 percent) of his 3-point attempts. Peasley averaged six points per contest, shot 78.3 percent at the line, 26.5 percent (27-of-102) beyond the arc and had 93 assists and 45 steals.
Zach Rizzuti will also be called upon to provided steady play. He had per game averages of 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds while handing out 40 assists and making 53 steals.
Lucas Leiferman leads a group that saw playing time last year and who return to the lineup. The group included Jared Wasson, junior twins Drew and Evan Taylor and sophomore Brice Taylor, with Ryan Klinge, Dominic and Preston Walker and Trent Hambleton also back for the Panthers.
Panorama opens their season Friday with a girls/boys set against visiting Woodward-Granger. The girls game will begin at 6 p.m.
