PANORA — Head coach Brad Halterman can scan the faces at a Panorama boys basketball practice and see plenty of faces he recognizes. What he does not see is where to start.
Bryce Halterman returns after averaging 6.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season, with Jeramy Randol back with his per game averages of 1.7 points and 2.4 rebounds. Seven other players, most of whom saw quite limited varsity playing time, combine to generate averages of only 1.7 points and 2.5 boards per outing.
Five seniors graduated from the 2015-16 squad that finished 18-6 overall and 14-4 in WCC play. Injuries and other issues will also limit the returning firepower, resulting in over 50 points and 20 rebounds per game missing from the roster.
Filling those holes while remaining positive will be key for Halterman, who said he was impressed with the attitude and work ethic the Panthers were showing in practices.
“They know they have their work cut out for them but are ready to face the challenge,” he said. “I like the approach I have seen from them so far. It will really come down to how quickly we can put the right pieces in place and how quickly we learn.”
Bryce Halterman said he didn’t feel the team was burdened with expectations, which has created a loose atmosphere.
“No one is expecting anything from us,” he said. “We don’t feel any pressure to do this or do that — all we need is for people to step up and we know we will be OK.”
Randol agreed.
“I don’t think teams should be sleeping on us,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of guys back, but we have a lot of good players coming in that people just don’t know about yet, but they are going to by the end of the season.”
“The season is a grind,” Randol continued. “There are going to wins along the way, and sometimes there are going to be losses. We seniors just need to keep the young guys’ heads in it and focus on improving from one week to the next.”
The Panthers open their season with a trio of girl/boy twinbills when school resumes after Thanksgiving. Panorama visits Des Moines Christian Nov. 29 and West Central Valley Dec. 1 for sets that begin with the girls game beginning at 6 p.m. IKM-Manning visits Panora Dec. 2, with the girls game to start at 1 p.m.
