PANORA — Although ranked sixth in Class 2A, the Panorama girls are receiving little attention on statewide social media sites on in most outlets, and that is almost certainly the way both head coach Dan Druivenga and his Panthers like it.
Two-time defending 1A champion (and the 2014 runner-up) Springville was a 65- 53 overtime winner, at Coe College in Cedar Rapids Nov. 25, over Panorama, the only loss for the 10-1 Panthers. Aside from a 50-45 win at then-ranked IKM-Manning no other foe has come within 19 points of what is clearly a state title contender.
Panorama holds a 57.7 to 33.5 points per game average through 11 games. They are shooting 38.7 percent from the floor (32.8 percent of 3-pointers) an are fourth-best in 2A at 71.5 percent at the foul line.
Overall team speed and athleticism has created a defense difficult to consistently navigate through, or around. The Panthers had 149 steals against just 121 turnovers and boast 145 assists as well.
Bailey Beckman is pouring in 19.2 points per game and Devyn Kemble 14.5 ppg, with Morgan Johnk scoring at an 11.4 clip and Hope Wilderman at 5.3 ppg.
Beckman has splashed 46-of-55 free throws (83.6 percent) and 21-of-63 3-pointers while Kemble is blistering the nets on 26-of-59 (44.1 percent) on treys. Beckman is second at free throw accuracy in 2A and Kemble third beyond the arc among those with at least 50 attempts, respectively.
Kemble has 60 rebounds, 33 steals and 22 assists and Beckman 39 rebounds and 38 steals with Wilderman clearing 42 boards. Johnk has pulled down 60 caroms, made 26 assists and blocked 19 shots, with guard Kellie Prince responsible for playing strong defense and providing 28 assists.
Panorama is on an extended road tour, beginning Tuesday at Ogden. The girls are off Friday, but play at Des Moines Christian Jan. 9, at West Central Valley Jan. 12 and Nodaway Valley Jan. 13 before returning home to host Earlham Jan. 16.
