Lady Panthers ready to bring out their best

Published 11:49 am Monday, November 19, 2018

There are just 10 athletes on the Prairie City Panther girls basketball team, but most have varsity experience and head coach Bo Workman said they are “looking to have a good year.”

Workman, in his third year leading the team, said the 1A High Desert League is tough as usual, but he hopes they’ll “surprise some in the end.”

“I think we will come together as a team,” he said. “They have good attitudes.”

Workman is joined by assistant coach Mike Workman, who was a volunteer assistant in the past. He is also the assistant for the Panther boys.

“He brings a lot of basketball knowledge,” Bo said.

Haley Pfefferkorn, a post and the team’s sole senior, is in her fourth year on the team.

She is joined by experienced juniors, including Emily Ennis, Rilee Emmel, Hailee Wall and Aleah Johns. Junior Shayla Winton, a transfer student to Prairie City, is also a part of the team.

Workman said he’s expecting Pfefferkorn will be big on rebounding.

“She physical,” he said. “She is going to be a big part down low on defense, down in the paint.”

He said Haley’s sister Abby, a sophomore, has also played a lot of basketball.

Guards Samantha Workman and Katie Hire, both sophomores, also saw plenty of time on the varsity court last season. Camry Milesi, a transfer student, is another sophomore on the team.

“Samantha and Katie are taking care of the ball, and Rilee too,” coach Workman said.

There are no freshmen on this year’s team.

Haley said she expects this season will be tough.

“We have a smaller team and won’t have as many subs, so we’ll have to learn to do every defensive position,” she said. “That won’t hurt us because defense is our strong suit — big time.”

She said she appreciates the opportunity the team members have for one-on-one coaching at practice.

“The older girls know their positions, so we can help the younger ones,” Haley said.

“It’s a family atmosphere,” she added. “We all know each other really well and get along.”

Ennis said, “I’m excited for the bond that small teams usually carry.”

She said they’ll have to work a lot harder compared to other seasons, but added it’ll “be good for us.”

Emmel said the key will be knowing how to work together.

“I’m excited to see how close we can get,” she said. “I think people will be surprised about what we can bring out.”

Friday, Nov. 30: @ Joseph at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1: @ Enterprise at 4 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 7-8: @ Ione, Condon/Wheeler at tournament in Fossil at 3 p.m., 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 15: vs. Imbler at 4 p.m.

Friday-Saturday, Dec. 28-29: @ tournament in Pendleton, TBD

Friday, Jan. 4: @ Burnt River in Unity at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 5: vs. Long Creek/Ukiah at 2 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 11: Prairie City hosts alumni game at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 12: @ Dayville/Monument in Monument at 2 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 18: vs. Crane at 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19: vs. Harper at 2 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 25: @ Four Rivers in Ontario at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 26: vs. Adrian at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 29: @ Crane at 5 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 1: @ Jordan Valley at 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 2: vs. Huntington at 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 5: vs. Dayville/Monument at 6 p.m.