The Riverside Panthers boys basketball regular season got under way this past week as the team traveled to participate in two, separate tip-off tournaments.
The team settled with a split, defeating Wilmington on Friday before falling to Mercer on Saturday.
On Friday, Drake Fox erupted for 20 points to lead the Panthers to its 49-26 victory. The junior connected on four 3-pointers. Riverside held a sizeable 27-11 halftime advantage on its way to the tournament victory.
On Saturday, fellow junior Robbie Janis posted a team-high 15 points in a 52-35 defeat at the hands of Mercer. Fox buried two 3-pointers in defeat.
Head coach John Rorick will look to the pair of juniors – Fox and Janis – to lead the Panthers offense this season. The two returning starters are joined by returning senior starter Darren McDade.
“We are hoping their experience and leadership will help us improve greatly this year,” says Rorick. “We will also be looking for contributions from Will Sullivan, Josh Guenther, Ayden Garcia, McCartney Plassmeyer, and Frankie Kriegisch.”
The team is working hard and improving every day according to the coach. The team will eye a playoff berth in Class 3A, Section 1.
“The guys have put in a lot of time this offseason. We would like to improve enough to get one of the playoff spots.”
The Panthers will be aggressive and will play fast according to Rorick.
“[we] should be fun for fans to watch,” notes the coach.
Riverside continues it regular season with two away contest this week, Wednesday at Ambridge and Friday at Western Beaver, before the Panthers host its
regular season opener. Riverside will host Hopewell on Monday, December 11th at Riverside.
“We are hoping good, tough defense, and consistent scoring will help get us to where we want to go.”
The Panthers host crosstown rival Ellwood City on January 16th and will then travel across the mighty Connoqunessing in February to wrap up its regular season with its last regular season game on February 9th at Ellwood City.
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