NEDERLAND - The season is wrapping up for the Nederland Panther basketball teams. It was especially exciting to see Nederland have a girls’ team again after several years without a team on the court. 

Coach Kate Cannon said that she expected the season to be a little bumpy. But what she didn’t expect was “the true tenacity of the girls who chose to play. To say I am impressed by their work ethic and upbeat attitudes, would be an understatement.”

Cannon added, “As I was watching the girls run drills the other night, I looked at my incredible assistant coach, Monte, and we smiled and both said, ‘I think we have a basketball team.’ ”

The difference between the team’s skills from the beginning of the season to the present is huge. Their confidence has grown immensely. They have learned how to anticipate what comes next, where the ball is going, and how to cut that off.  

Cannon said, “We have a lot of building and fine tuning to do, but I have full confidence in the capabilities of this group of young ladies.” There is skill and talent in this team and also at the middle school level. Coach Cannon is excited for the future of Nederland girls’ basketball. 

Head Boys Basketball Coach John Leventhal says this year has provided them with an “immense opportunity for growth, both in individual skills and team unity and chemistry. These young men have risen to the occasion and have come back every day after long bus rides, late nights, and tough games, to work hard in practice and keep a positive attitude.”

Leventhal is proud of the camaraderie that has developed in the team and how they have learned to play together. “Seniors, two of whom had never even played before, have displayed the maturity needed to help create a positive atmosphere and to lead by setting a great example of work ethic for the younger players.

“Juniors, most of whom played last year, provided their experience and a crop of freshman and sophomores infused us with enthusiasm.

“We coaches are so proud of all 18 players keeping their commitment to playing and seeing it through. We see great friendships developing within the team and we love seeing how much they all enjoy and support each other. From that standpoint, it has been a very successful season.”

These coaches look at sports as a way to build team skills and human skills. A check in the win column always feels good. However, helping teenagers learn skills that are needed for adulthood is invaluable. 

Leventhal added, “Every one of these young men is a star, a warrior, and a winner, and they should be honored by the community for their commitment in representing all of us. It has been an honor to work with and get to know every one of them.”

The last home game of the season was played against Ascent Classical Academy. Between games the Panthers honored their seniors who participated in all winter sports.

First, Vice Principal/Athletic Director Sean DePaula recognized Janet Turnburke. Turnburke has been the assistant to the athletic director for many years while working in the school office. At games she often announces the starting players.

No one announces the Panther players like Janet. Her voice is memorable and gets the crowd excited. She is retiring at the end of the school year, and it was time to say “thank you.” Something about Nederland basketball will never be quite the same without Janet Turnburke to introduce the starting players. 

Honoring the seniors is always a special time for the players, families, coaches, team, and the school. The coaches thanked the players for the years they played and their dedication.

The coaches really took the time to think about each student and how they have contributed to the team and to the sport.

Families also play a role in a student’s success. The coaches thanked the parents for their support.  

The seniors who were honored were:

Girls’ Basketball: Kendall Zotti, Lauren Schrader, Autumn Pattridge, Payton Kutscher

Boys’ Basketball: Jesse Siegal Gane, Cedar Shupe, Colton Burlingame, Robert Akerley

Alpine Skiing: Grayson Shurr, Cedar Shupe, Keahi Pelkum Donahue

Nordic Skiing: Lukey Mahorski-Bodley

Congratulations to the seniors and to all the winter sports athletes and coaches as they wrap up their seasons. Way to go Panthers!