High School Spotlight: North Central Panthers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The high school season is still a few months away but with team workouts starting to take place, it is the perfect time to start previewing the season. In this series, we will be a look at some quick hitters, the top player, potential breakout player, other roster roster members and notable games of the upcoming season. For today's spotlight, we take a look at the North Central Panthers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Quick Hitters</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Finished 13-9 last season</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lost to Lawrence North in Sectionals </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>4-straight winning seasons</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Kevin Gant returns for 3rd year as head coach. 29-17 overall. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Top Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1297108' first='Rogelio' last='Rivera']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rivera is one of my favorite guards to watch when it comes to the in-state 2025 class. He is a pure scorer that can fill it up from all three levels, especially with how well he shoots it from the outside. The true definition of a 'microwave scorer,' Rivera can get so hot in a hurry before you even realize it. He has the ball-handling ability to create separation and get his shot off from any spot on the floor. He will be the leader for the Panthers this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Breakout Player: [player_tooltip player_id='1547429' first='Jaxson' last='Bell']</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Speaking of leaders, senior shooting guard [player_tooltip player_id='1547429' first='Jaxson' last='Bell'] will also be one of them as well for the Panthers this year. The 6'3″ two-guard has excellent size and strength in the backcourt which allows him to get to the rim where he finishes consistently. He is so smooth with the ball in his hands and uses his body well when attacking the paint. As Rivera creates on the ball, Bell will benefit greatly from that all season long. A breakout season could be on the horizon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Other Important Roster Members:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1547489' first='Tim' last='Williams'] </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1275784' first='Christian' last='Woodson']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1578447' first='Nijah' last='Jewell']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2046152' first='Chrishon' last='Woodward']</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Games (Confirmed)</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Crispus Attucks (11/28)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Terre Haute North (12/8)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Carmel (12/15)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>at Ben Davis (1/5)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Marion County Tournament </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>vs Lawrence North (1/19)</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->