After years of narrowly missing opportunities to claim a state championship, the Panama Panthers boys' basketball team is back at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena in Binghamton. With seasoned players and a determined coach, they aim to rewrite their history and secure the school's first-ever basketball state title. Led by senior Carter Brink, who averages an impressive 23.8 points per game, alongside teammates Bryce Hinsdale and Alex Barmore, this group carries both the weight of past defeats and the hope of future glory. This weekend, the Panthers face Section III’s Sackets Harbor in the NYSPHSAA Class D semifinal, hoping to overcome challenges and make their mark on the program's legacy.
The Panthers have a storied yet bittersweet relationship with the arena in Binghamton. In 2019, disaster struck during what seemed like a promising run toward the state finals when a last-second foul led to an overtime loss against Oppenheim-Ephratah/St. Johnsville. Coach Ed Nelson recalls that fateful day vividly, emphasizing how his team has been haunted by such moments in the past. However, this year feels different—like a chance for redemption. Nelson, concluding his final season as head coach, sees this group as uniquely prepared due to years of camaraderie among players who have grown up together since childhood.
This core group includes seniors Carter Brink, Bryce Hinsdale, Alex Barmore, Tate Catanese, and Jordan Mescall. Each brings distinct strengths to the table: Brink dominates scoring, Hinsdale excels in assists, Barmore controls rebounds, while Catanese and Mescall contribute significantly on both ends of the court. Their collective experience and dedication have positioned them well for this high-stakes competition. Today’s semifinal opponent, Sackets Harbor, boasts formidable talent themselves, particularly Marcus Castine, known for penetrating defenses effectively.
Preparations extend beyond just one game; should the Panthers advance, they would need to quickly adapt to whichever team emerges victorious from the morning semifinal between Bridgehampton and Loudonville Christian. Both potential foes present unique challenges, requiring thorough scouting and strategic planning. Coach Nelson emphasizes focusing solely on Sackets Harbor initially but acknowledges the importance of staying informed about all competitors.
As anticipation builds for Saturday evening’s championship showdown, emotions run deep within the Panther camp. For Coach Nelson and his seniors, every moment counts, knowing full well this could be their final opportunity together. The journey thus far reflects countless hours of hard work, sacrifice, and perseverance. Success remains uncertain, yet through sheer effort and preparation, they believe they deserve a shot at greatness. Now, it's time to see if destiny aligns with their ambitions.