As the 2023-2024 high school basketball season approaches, all eyes are on the Bonney Lake Panthers, a team that's hungry for redemption after a challenging 2022-2023 campaign. Last year, the Panthers managed to secure the 6th spot in the Pierce County League (PCL) with a modest 3-9 record. While it may not have been the triumphant season they had hoped for, Bonney Lake did manage to surpass the Lakes High School, the last-placed team with a 1-11 record, who they defeated twice. On the flip side, Lincoln High School was the undisputed powerhouse of the PCL with an impressive 12-1 record, while Stadium High School proved to be the only team capable of challenging Lincoln.
In 2023, Stadium claimed the 5th position in the PCL district tournament, showing their skill and potential to be a formidable opponent this year. However, despite Lincoln's top-ranked status, they stumbled in the district tournament, losing their first two matches and exiting the competition. This unexpected turn of events suggests that the PCL remains unpredictable and competitive, making it an exciting prospect for the upcoming season. Stadium may have lost the star power of Ne’Quan Brown, but they still have two key players to watch in Baaroc Rivers and Donovan Gill.
Heading into the new season, the Bonney Lake Panthers are under the capable leadership of Coach Ben Simmons, who will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in the team's development. The road ahead presents significant challenges, as the Panthers will have to fill the void left by the graduation of their top three scorers from the previous season.
Guard Kole Kimball was the leading point-scorer for Bonney Lake last year, averaging an impressive 15.1 points per game and contributing a total of 301 points for the season. Guard Shaun Burton wasn't far behind, posting an impressive 13.4 points per game, while Point Andrew Seminara chipped in with 7.1 points per game. With these players having graduated, the Panthers face a daunting task in terms of maintaining their offensive presence.
But in every challenge, there lies an opportunity. Junior Layne Weir is set to return to the lineup, ready to assume a leadership role on the team. Weir showcased his defensive abilities last season, ranking 3rd on the team with 10 blocks and also contributing as the 3rd leading rebounder with an average of 4.3 rebounds per game. His experience and skills will be crucial for the team's success.
With seven seniors graduating last year, some might view this season as a rebuilding year for the Panthers. Out of a possible 20 games last season, the most games played by a non-senior were Isaha Chavez and Layne Weir, who each participated in 16 games. Despite the challenges of this transitional phase, it's an exciting year for Bonney Lake, a year to witness the Panthers as they start building a legacy that will resonate throughout the years.
While there may be uncertainties and obstacles to overcome, one thing is for sure: the Bonney Lake Panthers are a team on a mission. With the guidance of Coach Ben Simmons and the dedication of the players, they aim to overcome the odds, prove their mettle, and establish a new era of success. As the 2023-2024 season unfolds, watch closely, because the Bonney Lake Panthers are ready to rise from the ashes and make their mark in the Pierce County League.
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