Westwood PANTHERS
TAYLOR HONEA Sports Writer sports @ palestineherald . com
The 2023-24 school year has been a big year for Westwood athletics . The Panthers and Lady Panthers have reached new heights , and have plenty of room left to grow .
The Lady Panthers laid a strong foundation for the future this season , growing and solidifying as a group with each passing game . Of the 12 members of this year ’ s squad , nine Lady Panthers were sophomores or freshman , with two juniors and one senior . The experience gained from this season will be welcomed next year , as the Lady Panthers district opponents were some of the better teams in the state , including the Fairfield Lady Eagles , who for years have had one of the most successful girls basketball programs in the area .
With another year of training for their budding program , the Lady Panthers will look to take the next step in the 2024-25 season , and the program ’ s 10 year playoff drought .
The boys program will also look to take the next step next season , but their sights are set on another prize . The Panthers have State Championship aspirations for the 2024-25 season .
After not receiving much preseason recognition , the Panthers blazed their way through the season , posting a 27-9 overall record , and winning a share of the District 20-3A championship with Mexia and Franklin .
The Panthers went fourrounds deep in the postseason , claiming wins over Troy , Kemp and Palmer . Westwood would fall in the regional semifinals against the Kountze Lions , 80- 74 in overtime . The Panthers were led in the game , and all season , by freshman sensation Kavian Bryant . Along with Bryant , the Panthers will be returning quite a few players who played key minutes this season , including Boston Anderson and Chris Carter .
Anderson had a great junior season , using his 6 ’ 3 frame to create space for the Panthers offense , and his athleticism caused trouble for opposing teams on the defensive end . As he goes into his senior season , Anderson will be a key figure for the 2024-25 Panthers , as he will have to elevate his game to the next level with the departure of senior stud Brandon Russell , who was as versatile of a post player as any at the 3A level . What Brandon Russell lacked in height for a big man , standing at 6 ’ 2 , he more than made up for with his explosiveness and extremely high basketball knowledge .
Carter , who mans the backcourt with Bryant , is the perfect compliment to the Panther lineup , as his grit and cool and calm demeanor is the glue that helps hold Westwood together .
18 SPRING EDITION 2024