Panthers Soar During San Diego Adventure

With Coach Costa now a father of three, the Whitman-Hanson Panthers have traditionally limited travel to the Northeast. However, this year marked a new chapter as Costa envisioned a more ambitious warm-weather trip.

The San Diego Experience

Rallying his team for a cross-country journey, Costa took the Panthers to San Diego, providing them with unforgettable experiences. From exploring the sandy shores of La Jolla to visiting the famous San Diego Zoo, the team also faced off on the basketball court.

One of the stand-out moments, as recounted by seniors Dylan Hurley and junior Maliah Pierre, was their close encounter with a group of seals and walruses along the shore. “The guy on the loudspeaker said 10 feet,” Pierre joked. “I was like, ‘Um, maybe a little more than that.’”

On-Court Challenges and Growth

Off the court, Costa’s curiosity sparked intrigue—each out-of-state tournament presents unknown challenges. “We weren’t battle-tested yet,” he admitted. Despite facing tough competition, the Panthers narrowly lost to Immanuel (California) by one point but rebounded with a determined victory against Issaquah (Washington). This journey allowed Costa to observe the team’s true potential.

Bonding Beyond Basketball

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the San Diego trip was the camaraderie developed among the players. “Our team is much quieter than last year,” Hurley noted. The time spent bonding in hotel rooms enhanced communication during practices and games, ultimately strengthening their synergy on the court.

The Dynamic Duo: Hurley and Pierre

Pierre and Hurley may appear quiet off the court, but they let their game speak volumes. Pierre is on track for an impressive season, averaging 15.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 steals per game. Hurley closely follows with 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 steals, displaying remarkable consistency and shooting prowess.

Hurley, who has achieved 20 or more points in key matchups this season, credits his growth: “Every year, I’ve gotten better and improved my game.” Costa praises their offensive collaboration, noting this unprecedented duo has propelled the Panthers as top contenders in Division 2.

Resilience in Adversity

Adversities faced earlier in their careers taught the team resilience. Pierre and Hurley have experienced their share of playoff heartbreaks, including a near miss in past tournaments. This season, the Panthers have emerged stronger, never dropping a game since their San Diego adventure.

A recent highlight was their dramatic comeback against North Quincy, where Pierre scored an astonishing 34 points, solidifying their resolve and teamwork. “Responding instead of reacting,” Pierre emphasized, is a key lesson from Coach Costa. “Confidence comes from experience.”

Courtside Updates

In the local basketball scene, several teams are making waves. Bedford has won five consecutive games, demonstrating remarkable improvement. Coach Jim DeBenedictis commends his players for their strong bond and dedication, leading to notable performances, including a recent win against North Reading.

Similarly, Danvers has reaped the rewards of hard work and teamwork, with a stunning 11-1 start to the season. Coach Dave Chisholm praises his players for their commitment to defense and improvement.

Upcoming Games to Watch

• Tuesday: Hopkinton at Medway, 6 p.m. – A key matchup for ranking positions.
• Wednesday: No. 8 St. Mary’s at No. 2 Bishop Feehan, 5 p.m. – A critical Catholic Central showdown.
• Wednesday: No. 20 Fontbonne at Notre Dame (Hingham), 6:30 p.m. – Expect some sharpshooting action.
• Thursday: No. 9 Natick at Wachusett, 7 p.m. – A potential preview for the playoffs.