The Pinckneyville Panthers return four starters and have a team that features seven seniors and two juniors.
“We are a senior oriented group,” said Pinckneyville coach Bob Waggoner. “We have a lot of experience back and good leadership with our seniors. These players also have a very high basketball IQ.”
Returning starters for the Panthers include seniors C.J. Opp (6’3), Bryant Shute (5’9), Hunter Queen (5’10) and Payton Nippe (6’3).
“A big thing for us is having two returning guards back,” said Waggoner. “We should be able to pressure the basketball more and do more in transition than we have in the past few years.”
Also expected to see plenty of varsity time are senior Keegan Kellerman (6’2) and juniors Chris Priebe (6’4) and Dylan Hardin (6’0).
“I think we are a very deep team with good balance,” added Waggoner. “We have seven different guys that can play with little to no drop off in talent. The players have been very focused in practice and they all have a good understanding of our system.
Pinckneyville was 20-9 last season and is the early favorite to win the SIRR Mississippi Division crown.
“I think a lot of the teams in the conference are pretty equal this year,” said Waggoner. “I think we will be right in the mix with Anna-Jonesboro, Nashville and Du Quoin for the top of the conference. But from top to bottom, it will be battle each and every night.”
Pinckneyville opens up the season Saturday, November 26 against Cairo.
“We just want to keep improving as the season goes and play our best basketball come regional time,” said Waggoner. “To be successful, we need to play Panther basketball. Play at a high level with a lot of intensity on defense and then get out in transition.”