The Panther Valley boys’ basketball team will have a different look to it this season.

Gone from the Panthers’ program due to graduation is a host of experienced multi-year starters, and multiple 1,000-point scorers, that helped PV compile a 14-11 record a season ago with the Panthers advancing to the semifinals of the District 11 3A playoffs.

PV does return some key pieces from last year’s group in starters Conner Penberth and Logan Fisher. A lot of what the Panthers are going to do this season on offense expects to run through their point guard in Penberth. The 6-1 senior averaged 7.68 points per game last season, which included 27 three-pointers. Fisher came on strong last season for PV in the post, and turned into a formidable force on the block, as he averaged 8.76 points per game and 5.4 rebounds per game. Fisher famously scored off an inbounds pass with 13 seconds remaining in last year’s District 11 3A quarterfinals, which ended up being the winning bucket in a 59-57 victory over Palmerton.

“Conner is going to be our floor general. We think he has the potential to be one of the better guards in our area this season,” said Panther Valley head coach Pat Crampsie. “Logan Fisher is entering his third year starting for us, and he will once again provide us with a post threat on both the offensive and defensive sides of floor. With their experience, we’re also going to be counting on both of those guys to be leaders for us on and off the court.”

The Panthers are going to need contributions from players that will be taking on bigger roles this season. Guards Brady Jones and Brody Breiner both saw court time for the Panthers last season, and are expected to make more of an impact. Breiner is currently working his way back from a football injury, but once he returns, he’ll be inserted right into the mix.

“We have guards Brady Jones and Brody Breiner returning for us. We’re going to be heavily counting on them to come in and make some plays for us after contributing off the bench last season,” said Crampsie. “We’re going to need both of them to make some shots for us. We have a lot of players that will be adjusting to new roles, and we have to adapt to that quickly with our first game right around the corner on Friday, Nov. 29.”

The Panthers – who have predominantly been a run-and-gun style ball club – will be looking inside more than they have in the past, as they boast some impressive size in the interior. Key newcomers to the varsity ranks are 6-4 junior Danny Wehr, and 6-8 sophomore Jarell Thomas.

“We’re always going to look to push the ball and shoot the three, but there is no doubt we’re going to have to work the ball more through the post this season with our size and ability in that area,” said Crampsie. “We’ve also been working hard to improve in the rebounding department. With our size, we’re going to look to come up with a lot of second-chance points, which is something we struggled with last season. We’ve been preaching that in the offseason; to work hard inside to get those offensive rebounds.”

Ben Baneravage, Jake Moyer, Mrgim Nerizi, Chase Krynock, Chase McArdle, Nuredin Gjoca, Gino Williams and Eddison Mitchell will all have a chance to compete for varsity minutes as well.

“Our expectations are always the same,” said Crampsie. “We want to compete and stay within striking distance for a league playoff berth, and win enough games to get into districts. And then as always, do everything we can to go on a run once we get there.”