PANHANDLE, Texas (KFDA) - The Panhandle Panthers have reached the UIL boys basketball state semifinals for the first time in school history.
Panthers’ playoff run
Panhandle entered the playoffs as outright district champions. The Panthers defeated Spearman, Hale Center in double overtime, Seagraves and most recently Wellington — a third win over the Rockets this season — last Friday to advance.
Coach credits mental toughness
Josh Strickland, Panhandle’s head boys basketball coach, said the team’s mental and physical toughness has set this group apart.
“One of the biggest qualities that this team has is it’s not just team chemistry...I do think that that’s on top of the list, but his group of guys, they’re not just physically tough, but they’re mentally tough,” he said. “We have been able just to focus on ourselves and discuss again what we do great and what needs to be fixed, and within the last four or five weeks, we have really just taken off.”
They will face Waco Meyer Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Abilene Christian University, with the winner advancing to the state championship game at the Alamodome in San Antonio later in the week.
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