Basketball fans all across Guthrie County have shown their support of the Panorama Panther girls basketball team this past week as the squad embarks on their fourth state tournament trip since 1995. The Panthers defeated the Des Moines Christian Lions for a third time this winter last Monday in Woodward, 36-33, clinching their first state tournament appearance since 2013. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network spoke with the seniors of this year’s Panorama Panther girls basketball team and their head coach Dan Druivenga about the feedback they received since clinching a spot at state on February 19.
The Panther seniors, Devyn Kemble, Faith Powell, Kellie Prince, Nicole Rolfes and Hope Wilderman, told Raccoon Valley Radio that the community’s been very positive and supportive the entire winter and they’ve received encouragement to continue playing well in Des Moines. Kemble adds there’s a sense of relief for the team after falling one step short of state the previous four seasons. “I think we all feel a lot of pressure (has been) lifted off having gotten past (Des Moines Christian) and making it to state.” Kemble said, “Now we can enjoy ourselves and of course still try to win (a state championship) but have fun.”
Coach Druivenga shared with Raccoon Valley Radio that the community support for the basketball team has always been great. “I told the girls, ‘there’s nothing like going to state,'” Druivenga said, “You get some many things from the community. Extra things like Gatorade, goodie bags, and well wishes. You also hear from so many people, and I want to thank everyone for helping out.”
Panorama Community Schools is holding a pep assembly for the Panther girls basketball team this afternoon at 3:15 p.m. in the High School Auditorium. The school’s also organized a send-off for the team at 4 p.m. immediately following the assembly. The Raccoon Valley Radio Network will provide live play by play coverage of Panorama’s run through the Class 2A Girls State Basketball tournament on True Country, K 107.9 and worldwide at raccoonvalleyradio.com and the KKRF mobile app. Pregame coverage from Wells Fargo Arena will start around 11:15 a.m. with tip-off scheduled for 11:45 a.m.