Bigelow steps up in conference, ready to face heat

Headed into the 2A-5 Conference, the Lady Panthers are ready to face their new competitors, head coach Russell Paulley said. Poyen and Carlisle, who made it to the quarterfinals for state last year, are two competitors the team looks forward to facing. “Poyen and Carlisle both have experience and great coaches,” Paulley said. “They’re smart, tough and athletic.” Paulley, who has been at Bigelow for eight years, four as head coach, thinks his team is ready to face these opponents with speed and range of depth, not only on the floor but also from the bench. The tempo in which the Panthers play brings an added strength to the team, as well as the guards who can make solid perimeter shots, opening the game up for the forwards on the inside. From this standpoint, the Panthers plan on building on last year’s success, focusing on a more balanced inside-outside game. Having successfully reached the quarterfinals last year without any seniors on the team, coach Paulley said he looks to continue this path of success with the leadership of this year’s seniors and the now more-experienced juniors and sophomores. One such senior, Cecily Weaver, “is sticking out as a strong presence inside,” with her athleticism and midrange jump shot, the coach said. Jill Nutt, a sophomore, has what Paulley calls a “pure jump shot” and is the team’s best perimeter shooter, he said. With players such as these, the Panthers look to improve on their 13-17 record from last season and make it to the quarterfinals in their new conference, Paulley said. “This group of young ladies is a coach’s dream,” Paulley said. “They are never a problem in class. They make great grades and never have issues off the court. They enjoy being around each other, and they work their tails off. Every day, I am thankful for the blessing of working around these talented and high-character girls.”