PIKEVILLE KY. (WYMT) - The Pikeville Panthers are next up in our DQ grill and chill countdown to tip off series.

The Panthers finished last season with a 20-12 record, but fell in the first round of the 15th region tournament to Betsy Layne. This season, with an experienced set of guards, and the addition of Ray Kasongo from East Ridge, it could be enough to get them over the hump.

"We feel like anytime your looking ahead to your season, I think the first thing you look for is, do you have good guard play? And fortunately we have two really good experienced guards back in Ethan Rowe and Jacob Hamilton", said head coach Bart Williams. "And, you know, after that, probably our depth is going to be a factor, and we are going to be a young team probably after those two."

"In previous years, A lot of times, its been experience that has probably not taken us over the hump", said senior guard Ethan Rowe. "But, this year we have experience. We are returning some guards, and I think the leadership that we will put out there is what will push us over."

"We have a bunch of young players. We are going to have to build them up quick. Me and Ethan are returning starters. We have to be the leaders on the team", said junior guard Jacob Hamilton. "So, basically, just lead the young guys. Hopefully we'll have some size this year. That will help us compete."