GRIFFITH, IN —The boys’ basketball season started with an away game at Lowell High School on Dec. 5 because the away game at Hobart High School on Nov. 29 was canceled due to weather.

After a 14-10 record and a first-round sectional loss last season, the Griffith Panthers boys’ basketball team is back this season with new personnel and a new team roster.

The Panthers are hoping to make a difference this year. While the team has played two scrimmages, one “black and gold” against themselves and one against Kankakee Valley, they still feel like there is more to do.

“There’s definitely some kinks we need to work out on all sides of the ball,” senior Nathan Visak said. “It’s the little things. It always is, and we just need to work to make it better so we can hit our goals.”

The team’s goals are simple: win. Win conference, sectionals and the IHSAA state tournament.

“We’re feeling very well. We’re playing as a team. Discipline is our main issue right now, and that will come with time,” Griffith’s new coach, Cameron Ashley, said. “All of our expectations are set to make the players better basketball players, but also just better people. We set them so they have something to strive and play for.”

Coach Ashley and his staff wants to see this team succeed and win everything they possibly can, and set up for the future of Griffith Basketball.

With big players like Visak and Jaylan Rockett, who averaged ten points per game last season, returning to the G, the Panthers are entering the season with a renewed mindset and ambition.