Lufkin Panthers: Experienced, Loaded, and Ready for a Playoff Run

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recap of Last Season's Performance: </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lufkin Panthers had a strong season last year, finishing at 24-12 with a perfect district record and making a solid playoff push. Returning with eight upperclassmen on a loaded roster, they are primed for another impressive campaign, bringing experience and skill to their quest for a title.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Highlight Wins: </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Melissa</strong>: 60-50 – a convincing victory that showcased Lufkin's balance and control.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Tyler</strong>: 60-58 – a playoff win in the Big-District Round, showing their ability to win close games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>• <strong>Prosper Walnut Grove</strong>: 64-48 – a dominant performance against a tough opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Players for 2024-25</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1592890"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6724cab516ce5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The All-District MVP, Brown is a versatile talent who makes his teammates better. After a standout sophomore season, he reached the 1,000-point milestone with over 700 points just last year. Brown's all-around skills make him the team's central playmaker and scorer, capable of impacting the game on multiple levels.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2555902"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6724cab516d41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season's District Newcomer of the Year, Sanders brings game-changing speed and athleticism. Known as the team's glue, he impacts every facet of the game with his relentless motor, contributing significantly on both offense and defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2222519"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6724cab516d83"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long, athletic lefty, Parks made First Team All-District with his impressive finishing ability. Known for converting contested dunks and pulling off difficult layups, he's a crafty two-guard with a knack for drawing fouls and scoring efficiently at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2630626"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6724cab516dbe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another First Team All-District selection, Newman is a defensive standout who excels at creating turnovers. His instincts make him a constant threat on defense, while he also provides three-point scoring, particularly from the top of the key and wings, where he's most effective off the catch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2630629"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6724cab516df8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A reliable First Team All-District sharpshooter, Thomas is one of Lufkin's best three-point threats. He's known for his spot-up shooting from the corners and his ability to come off screens to knock down perimeter shots.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Outlook for 2024-25</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a deep, experienced roster led by standout players like Brown, Sanders, and Parks, Lufkin has the talent and depth to go far this season. Their mix of defense, scoring ability, and veteran presence makes them a true contender in the pursuit of championship success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->