There’s plenty of optimism surrounding the Panorama Panthers girls basketball entering the winter sports season. Last year’s West Central Activities Conference champions didn’t graduate anyone off last year’s 22-2 squad and was one possession away from the Class 1A state basketball tournament in February. Panorama head girls basketball coach Dan Druivenga tells Raccoon Valley Radio that four seniors are participating in preseason practice including Devyn Kemble, Kellie Prince, Nicole Rolfes and Hope Wilderman. Druivenga says Faith Powell is recovering from offseason knee surgery and hopes to have her on the practice floor in the coming weeks.

Druivenga says Kembles been in the varsity rotation for the Panthers since her freshman season. “In fact (Kemble’s) first (varsity) start came was the district final her freshman year.” Druivenga said, “She’s pretty experienced coming back and is a great floor leader in that she’s pretty much in place and has (her teammates) in the right place.”

Druivenga says he seen improvement from Wilderman in the post. “She’s really improving underneath with her footwork,” Druivenga said, “Got to work on her communication more but she’s working on it.”

Druivenga adds a senior who could see more playing time is Rolfes. “She’s been coming off the bench, but she may start a bit this year, depending on who we’re playing,” Druivenga said, “She does a good job in the post for being a smaller player, but she’s also capable of stepping outside and being a wing player.”

Finally, Druvienga says the defense will get a boost from Prince. “She’s our defensive stopper at the point guard (position). She plays the point guard a lot.” Druvienga said, “(She’s) really valuable to come in and help play defense on those girls and wear them down.”

With so much returning talent back from last season, Druvienga is putting his squad through more preseason scrimmages than usual. The Panthers next exhibition is tomorrow evening in Harlan’s jamboree. Panorama will take on AHSTW in the second game at 5:45 p.m. and will play two eight-minute quarters.