Getting stronger.

The point of emphasis coming into the 2022-23 basketball season for Panther Valley was to improve its physicality, strength and speed.

And the Panthers emphatic approach in the offseason makes them feel like they have gotten stronger in each of those important categories.

PV finished 12-11 last season, and returns its top six players from that squad. With its added strength and speed, the Panthers could make some serious inroads toward competing for a Schuylkill League championship.

“The emphasis this offseason was to get faster and stronger, and the kids really dedicated themselves. Physically, we just look different, and it was evident during our scrimmages that we’ve been able to improve in those areas,” said Panther Valley head coach Pat Crampsie.

“I think it is especially noticeable on the defensive end. I think we will be a much more physical team defensively and our team speed has improved, which will help us both on defense and getting up and down the floor offensively. But as everyone knows, it starts with defense in the Schuylkill League, and I like how we are looking defensively.”

The Panthers will certainly not be short on experienced players entering this season with top contributors Stephen Hood (14.8 point per game), Chase Weaver (11.7 ppg), Michael Pascoe (7.6 ppg), Bradley Hood (5.7 ppg), Drew Kokinda (5.3 ppg) and Austin Hadley returning.

PV will once again be a versatile group that can defeat opponents in various ways, whether it’s getting hot from the outside (157 three-pointers in 2021-22), getting the ball inside to Pascoe or Stephen Hood, or clearing the lane for Weaver to attack the rim.

Logan Fisher, Cody Orsulak, Riley Hoben, Trey McAndrew, Hayden Goida, Thomas Buyce, Brody Breiner, Brady Jones, Conner Penberth and Eli Maynard are all competing for, time on the floor, as well, and will contribute.

“I do like our versatility,” said Crampsie. “We have a bunch of different guys that we can go to, and that is always great to have.

“I think that our versatility is also a product of our guys willing to play unselfish basketball as well. I think we have some guys that with their skill sets, can open things up for other players, and to this group’s credit, they always share the ball.”

Always an important “X-factor” in Schuylkill League play is the ability to rebound, and the Panthers boast a host of players who were proficient in that department last season.

Stephen Hood, at 6-4, pulled down eight rebounds per game, while the 6-3 Pascoe grabbed 7.5 boards per contest. Hadley, at 6-2, also averaged 6.5 rebounds. The three are expected to combine to create one of the more dominant forces on the boards in the Schuylkill League.

“Rebounding, I believe, should be big for us and we always focus on it,” said Crampsie. “We want to hold teams to one shot and done and then on the offensive end, we want to make teams pay when we have second-chance opportunities.

“Our guards have also gotten stronger and have improved there as well. I think rebounding will be a big key for us this season.”