THE JACKSON County Lady Panthers will be looking to start their 2009-10 campaign off on a high note when they hit the court next week.
The Lady Panthers will open their season with tournament play in the Mountain Thanksgiving Classic at Kennesaw Mountain Nov. 21, 23 and 25.
Last year, Jackson County went 11-14 overall and 2-10 in the region before going out in the region tournament.
This year, the Lady Panthers have one senior, Katie Rodriguez at guard as well as several juniors that give the team some experience and numbers for the first time in three years.
Jackson County has several returning starters, including Breanna Drew, Ashley Skelton and Emily Elrod.
But one key loss is senior Jessica Stevens with an ACL injury that likely will keep her sidelined for the season.
The team also has several key newcomers, including junior Sierra Roncadori, sophomore Dannie Cunningham, sophomore Macey Latty and sophomore Ashleigh Lance.
Coach Chad Pittman said his team is better on the defensive side of the ball, along with better post play and a productive depth that the team has not had in the last couple of years.
The Lady Panthers will open at the Kennesaw tournament against St. Pius. Pittman said the competition at the tournament should be really good.
“The challenge I think will help us improve and be better prepared for the region,” he said.
Following the tournament, the Lady Panthers will have their home opener on Dec. 1 against Oglethorpe County before traveling to East Jackson on Dec. 4 and Habersham Central Dec. 5. Jackson County will have their first region pairing of the season on Dec. 8 when they play host to Eastside. Then comes a long stretch on the road, first against region opponent Stephens County on Dec. 11, then in a non-region pairing against Oglethorpe County on Dec. 12. The Lady Panthers will travel to Morgan County for another region match up on Dec. 15 before hosting East Jackson in their final pre-Christmas break game on Dec. 19.
The Lady Panthers will close out the 2009 portion of the season by hosting the Jingle Jam tournament on Dec. 28 and 29.
