Panthers Open the Season at Pike

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The 2012-13 season begins Wednesday night for the North Central boys' basketball team.  In what has become a Thanksgiving Eve staple and showdown, the Panthers will face neighboring rival Pike in the annual girls'/boys' doubleheader.  Coach Doug Mitchell returns for his 20th year on the sidelines for NC, having led the Panthers to two class 4A titles in his tenure. (1999 & 2010)

The losses of Ronnie Johnson (Purdue University) and Patrick Ingram (U. of Iowa) will no doubt be big holes to fill, but Mitchell likes his returning players.  The player with the most experience is 4-year starting center Darius Latham, 6'5", 280, a post player whom Mitchell calls the best defensive player he ever coached.  Junior Perry Poindexter will bring his athletic, 6'7" frame to the floor with a renewed work ethic and focus.  Senior, Wade Stallings, the backup point guard to Ronnie Johnson the last two years will have a chance to lead the team at the point.  Mitchell calls Stallings a "complete player."  Colin Bridgeforth and Chandler Rowe are two more seniors who can provide valuable playing time for the team.  The youth of the team is very strong as well, led by freshman Eron Gordon, of whom Mitchell says, "if there is a better freshman in the country I'd like to see him."  Gordon is the youngest brother of former Mr. Basketball and current NBA star Eric Gordon  Jeff Harris and Michael Loggan are strong juniors who bring great athleticism and skill to the squad.

For a video preview of the season, see portions of an interview with Doug Mitchell at the right side of the page or at the following link.

http://www.ihigh.com/northcentralpanthers/video_913929.html