Panthers excited about depth

The Richards High School varsity boy basketball team has not had a deep roster in recent years. That will change this season.

First-year head coach Justin Bane said 15 boys showed up during the first week of practice. Returnee Reece Wrobleski knows how fatigued past years’ starters got when there weren’t enough reserves to rest them.

“It will just be good to have some kids come off the bench and give us a little bit of a break,” the junior guard said. “That should provide good opportunities for substitutes.”

Bane likes what the boys have shown. “I think we’ll have some of the toughest kids in the district,” he said. “They’re not going to give up. They’re going to find a way to win games for us. I’m very excited about the toughness and willingness to do whatever it takes to win.”

Other returnees include senior Fanin Fuller and sophomore Noah Bay.

The boys open the season Friday against Banff.

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: The varsity volleyball team lost to Buckholts in the Region IV-1A bi-district tournament. The Lady Panthers won the first game 25-20, then dropped the next three.