As the basketball season quickly approaches there is one goal that sits in every basketball player’s mind, going to state. The Panthers have performed pretty well the past couple of years. Elder has had a solid basketball squad ever since I could remember.

With the success the team had last year, sharing the GCL title and making a run in the state tournament, this year’s team has pretty big shoes to fill. One of the major keys to having a great team is having great leaders. Four seniors on the team this year are looked at to fill these roles. Each senior brings different attributes to the table that will help the team reach their goal.

These four seniors each play different positions and can do great things when given the opportunity to work together as a team. Putting their skills together could make this Panther hoop team very scary.

Senior point guard, Braden Connor, in my opinion has the biggest heart on the team. He is a nonstop worker and doesn’t settle for anything less than perfection. He keeps improving as the years go by. Although his height is not in his favor, he isn’t afraid to bang down low with the big men and pull down a couple rebounds.

He runs the floor like a true leader and knows how to control the tempo of the game. When the game is on the line in the final seconds this is the guy you want to have the ball in his hands. Great guy to have on the floor and an even better guy in the locker room as he knows how to boost everyone’s spirits. The Panthers could find plenty of success behind Braden.

Veteran shooting guard, David Dabbelt, has never seen a shot he didn’t like. His thick frame and unwavering confidence should serve as an ignition for the Elder Panther offense. As soon as he pulls up in the parking lot in his 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo the man thinks he’s in range. His joyful personality helps keep the team loose and relaxed before big games. The young gun slinger knows how to get a grin out of everyone on the team. He knows when to turn the humor on and off and when to get down to business which makes him a great leader on this young team.

Shaun Sullivan, running the floor at the small forward position is a big component to this team’s success, especially on the offensive side of the ball. He has a keen knack for getting the ball to the rim despite his lack of height. He can put it on the floor and take you to the rack or pull up for a mid-range jumper. Just like the rest of these seniors, he plays very competitively and with a chip on his shoulder. As long as he stays healthy the Panthers could make yet another run at state.

Deshaun Strong-Mosley, although not all that big will have to take the big man role this year on this vertically challenged team. He does it all, from outside the arc to throwing down one hand slams. Potentially one of the best GCL players this year. He can bang down low with the best of them and plays like an animal. He will be the most talented man on the floor this year for the Panthers and brings great energy to this team. He gives this team life which makes him a prime leader. Don’t be surprised if he sneaks in and steals GCL player of the year. Deshaun is a pure basketball player who has much love for the game.

The season will be kicking off December 3^rd and it calls for another great year of basketball. A few young faces will help take this team to the next level. With these four seniors running the show, I wouldn’t be surprised to see another GCL title brought back to Hans Frey Court at Elder Memorial Field House.

As you can see in the linked video above, I tried to test my skills against senior point guard Braden Connor but fell a little short. The video was shot and has a running commentary by Josh Powell.