PORUM PANTHERS
GIRLS
Coach: Bobbie Wheat
23-24 Record: 21-6
Veteran coach Bobbie Wheat will be looking for team leaders this year as the Lady Panthers have no seniors and eight juniors that will make up the heart of the squad in 2024.
“We lost three starters but most of these girls have seen some playing time, and they have amazing team chemistry. They work hard and push each other to get better and they will continue to improve and expand their game as the season progresses,” said Wheat.
Leading the group of juniors are two returning starters in Mesa Coulson (5-9) and Leia Johnson (5-8).
“Mesa really stepped up her shooting the last part of last year. The last four or five games she was drawing a box-and-one defense and still scoring and this summer she has improved to a whole new level offensively which is saying something since she averaged 13 points a game last year shooting better than 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point land. She reads defenses well and does a good job of shooting when left open and attacking the rim when guarded. Leia can play any spot on the floor. She’s an excellent ball handler and does a good job of creating openings for her teammates. Defensively she does a great job of staying in front of her player and contesting every shot and she’s not afraid to take a charge.”
Another player Wheat has high hopes for is Jaimie Purdom (5-7, Jr.).
“Jaimie came out second semester last year and is extremely quick. She hustles every play and has quick hands which helps her make steals and is working hard to become more of an offensive threat.”
Other juniors that will be looking to break into the starting lineup this year are Debo and Camryn Mann, Karmyn Terrell, Annie Ledyard and Jaelyn Smith.
“Jaelyn was hurt all last year, but she was on the bench cheering and encouraging her teammates, making sure they had towels and water during timeouts and was a true teammate. We’re glad to have her back on the floor,” said Wheat.
Rounding out the Panther roster are sophomores Heidi Purdom and Nora Barnes and freshmen Brinlee Haas and Jessa Cottrell.
