Earney was First Team All Middle Border Conference (MBC). _ The Panthers have raised their expectations after an improved year.

“Last year, it depended on which week you watched us. There were nights we played good defense and nights we struggled on offense,” Janke said. “We were up and down._ Anytime you depend on your two kids as heavily as we did with Earney and Nugent, you’re going to have some rough night. They can’t be at the top of their game very night.”

“Our expectation is to climb in the conference and be competitive_each night. It’s a competitive league for girls’ basketball, that’s for sure.”_ “Prescott and New Richmond bring their core back. New Richmond is a bigger school, they have a lot more kids to choose from. And Prescott brings everybody of significance back,” Janke said. “They’re certainly the team to beat. They’re apparently stronger than ever. We just want to play with them. That’s our goal.”

This Panther team is eager for competition.

“They’re happy to play,” Janke stated. Kids are resilient.”

Janke was asked how the players are dealing with having to wear a mask on the court, even during games.

“It’s hard on the kids but once they get into the gym they’re accustomed to the masks,” Janke said. “They don’t love them, but they don’t complain.”