ICYMI: Panthers are District Champions in basketball

After several years of defeat, the boys basketball team, one previously labeled as a weak team, has gained the title of district champions along with a winning streak of 19 games out of 27.  Many of the players say that this season has been the best in a while.

“The team has been far more talented and this season has been more fun to play on than any other.  I loved getting to play in big games like at American Airlines Arena and in large tournaments across the state of Florida.”  senior Daniel Ajabshir said.   “The winning streak is amazing, it feels great knowing that the team is so successful. Hopefully the winning streak will continue all the way until states”
With a great deal of pressure to beat their one and only rival, the Killian Cougars, the hours of hardcore practice and conditioning suddenly paid off. Their win took a major toll on the team.
“It is always a great feeling to see hard work pay off. But the goal is far from met” senior Matthew Hellinger said.
The team’s goal of becoming regional champions has not been met.  There is a lot of pressure coming from the school, the coaches and the players to keep their winning streak alive until regionals.

“Being on a win streak knowing it’s my last year makes me feel like we as a team actually accomplished something this year by making it to the playoffs.” senior Justin Shinhoster said.

This year, a new coaching staff and new players joined our team. Junior Hayden Dobbs believes this to have helped bring better communication and a higher skillset on and off the court.  

““We have been working long hours in order to get to where we are, and it has really paid off,” Dobbs said.

The Panthers’ road to states continues on Thursday, as they take on crosstown rival Coral Gables for a spot in the 9A-16