The Panthers boys Basketball team is currently undefeated with an 11-0 record, they look like one of the best teams in the state.
Some of their key wins include a 91-84 win against Pewaukee, a 65-52 win against Whitnall, and a 71-68 win against Mukwonago. In a top 5 boys basketball weekly ranking by Mycommunitynow, they were ranked third behind Wisconsin Lutheran and West Allis Central for the top basketball teams in Milwaukee County.
The players are happy with how things are going so far.
“The start of the season is going really well. We’re playing really well and having a lot of fun. I think the rest of the season will go well. It’s definitely going to get a lot harder playing against better teams,” senior Charlie Sheridan said.
Some of their toughest opponents in the future include Greenfield, Wisconsin Lutheran, Franklin, and New Berlin West.
“The schedule is going to get tough, but I think if we keep playing how we have been playing, we will be fine,” senior Zavier Castillo said.
Although they have been playing well, there are always things to improve on.
“I think we could just improve on scoring closer to the basket since we score most of our points from the three,” Sheridan said.
Some of their leading scores include Castillo, who averages 28.25 points per game, and senior Brandon Harper Jr, who averages 14.6 points per game.
“I feel like my season is going really well. I feel like I am playing my role the right way into leading us to win games defensively and scoring points,” Harper said.
The juniors on the team are also facing adversity this season. For junior Wesley Van Lith, moving up to varsity has forced him to adjust to the game’s fast pace.
“The biggest change has been the speed of the game and intensity of practices, and the commitment is much larger” Van Lith said.
Similarly, junior Brady Lindholm-Krisman is also battling with the adjustments of being a varsity player while balancing his school work.
“My grades have definitely been affected, I have less time after school to study,” Lindholm-Krisman said.
Van Lith and Lindholm-Krisman agree on the team’s strong point, having both said leading scorer Zavier Castillo is their biggest strength but they also see a challenge.
“Our biggest weakness is our size. We are a small team,” Van Lith said.
For junior starter Graydn Smith, earning his starting spot meant sharpening his skills.
“I worked on getting my jump shot more consistent, and keeping my energy high,” Smith said.
He now plays a big role and has high responsibility on the court. His view of key wins shows his dedication, mentioning a comeback against Mukwonago where senior Tyler Roche scored a game winning buzzer beater.
Looking ahead at the tough schedule the seniors mentioned, all juniors agreed the biggest test will be Wisconsin Lutheran who is ranked 12th in the country.
