Panorama Basketball senior Morgan Crees is pushing the message of staying present to the younger girls on the team.

Crees highlights that she began playing basketball since she was in third grade and knew she loved it once she picked up a ball. As a sophomore, Crees scored 229 total points on the Panther squad that fell 48-46 to Dike-New Hartford in the Class 2A State Championship in 2024. Now, being one of the only remaining players from that team, she is passing along knowledge to the underclassmen this year.

“To be ready for anything. They played (in) a lot of different tournaments that prepared them for high school, but helping them along with the chemistry so that we’re all on the same page. And then try your hardest and do your best and it’s okay to make some mistakes.”

Crees says that outsiders may underestimate the ability of the eight freshmen on the team this season, but she believes that they will pleasantly surprise people. Panorama will get the season underway this coming Tuesday, December 2nd in Panora, hosting Woodward-Granger at 6:15pm.