The Bonney Lake Panthers are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting and promising 2023-2024 basketball season. After a stellar 2022-2023 campaign that saw them finish 2nd in the highly competitive PCL League with a 10-2 record, the Panthers are ready to make a run for the state championship. They have their sights set high, and with a mix of seasoned veterans and promising new talent, the road ahead is looking bright.
Coach Kim Peters, a respected figure in the local basketball community, is at the helm, ready to lead her team to new heights. The Panthers finished the previous season with an impressive 10-2 record in the PCL, just behind the undefeated Lincoln Abes, who dominated the league with a flawless 12-0 run.
But it's not just their regular-season performance that has the Bonney Lake faithful excited; it's the potential they saw in the State Tournament last year. As the 9th seed, the Panthers secured a coveted spot in the Tacoma Dome, the hallowed ground of Washington high school basketball. Their journey, however, was cut short in the first round by the 8th seed Meadowdale. But as they say, experience is the best teacher, and Bonney Lake is determined to make the most of the lessons learned.
Leading the charge for the Panthers is senior sensation Jazmyn Shipp. The star center, who had already left her mark on the previous season, is gearing up for another standout year. Shipp was nothing short of phenomenal, leading the team in multiple categories. She averaged 17 points per game, totaling an impressive 391 points over the season. Her skill extended to the boards, where she secured an average of 12.7 rebounds per game, amassing a staggering 291 rebounds in total. Shipp also showcased her playmaking abilities with 4.2 assists per game, accumulating 96 assists throughout the season. On the defensive end, she averaged 1.1 blocks per game.
Shipp's excellence on the court didn't go unnoticed, as she found herself ranked among the top 25 players in Washington State in several key statistical categories. Her 17 points per game placed her 25th in the state. However, it's her Points Per 32 that stands out, ranking 3rd with an impressive 22.6. In terms of rebounds, Shipp secured the 7th spot with her 12.7 rebounds per game. Her field goals made (146) placed her 22nd, while her free throws made (92) earned her the 7th spot in the state. Shipp's all-around game was evident in her 17 double-doubles, placing her 3rd in the state.
Jazmyn Shipp's talent has not gone unnoticed by college scouts, as she recently committed to Westmont, marking the next chapter in her promising basketball career. The Panther Pride couldn't be prouder of their star center.
But the Panthers aren't a one-woman show. They boast the return of Ava Rice, another talented center. Last season, Rice made her presence known with an average of 7.8 rebounds per game, totaling an impressive 172 rebounds over the year. She also contributed defensively with 0.4 blocks per game. Offensively, Rice added 9.0 points per game to the team's tally, proving that she's a vital piece of the Panthers' puzzle.
The leadership doesn't end there. Senior point guard Evin Elias, a familiar face on the Bonney Lake roster, is back and ready to make her mark. Alias averaged 6.3 points per game in the previous season, and her experience and court vision will be crucial for the team's success.
With Coach Kim Peters at the helm, Jazmyn Shipp leading the charge, and a roster brimming with talent, the Bonney Lake Panthers are poised to take the 2023-2024 season by storm. They're not just chasing success; they're ready to create a legacy. The Tacoma Dome and beyond, the Panthers are ready to leave their mark on Washington high school basketball.
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