In year two of the Sam Duane era, the Pumas are going have to face some hurdles head-on, according to the head coach.
The Pumas bolster a roster full of youth, and for a program looking to build on last season’s abbreviated postseason appearance, inexperienced players are going to have to play like upper-classmen.

“As the year goes on we are going to get better and better, as we are a young team,” Duane said, “We are still waiting for the guys from football to get out here so when they win the state championships, hopefully, they can get ready to play basketball and we will be a much better team.”

The team’s strength is their chemistry. They play well together on the court because of their  connection and play as a team rather than individuals. However, the team is not very big so there will be some things they need to focus on such as rebounding.

Junior guard Bauer Bongard said, “one of our strengths is that we are really fast. Everything we do is quick and we take a whole bunch of time to set up what we need to do, it’s just automatic, we just go.”

The team struggled with the backend of their schedule and ended with a season of three wins, seven losses away and five wins, four losses at home. The upcoming season shows the Pumas playing many teams that made the playoffs last season. They will also be playing their rival, and last year’s state champions, Basha High School twice this season. However, they hope to defy the odds of being a young team and make this year’s playoffs.

Junior guard Jalen Williams said, “I think we have a chance of making the playoffs. I feel like we are better than last year and I feel like we will get pretty deep in playoffs as well.”

The varsity team is practicing as hard as ever by getting ready for ,hopefully, their best season yet.

“Everyday I practice and go all out,” said Bongard, “If you go as hard as you can everyday then the game is just going to be the same as it was in practice.”

Bongard was a starter his sophomore year and is ready for the upcoming season. According to his coach, he is a great player on the team as well as returning players CJ Jamerson and Jalen Williams. Unfortunately Perry lost several  seniors but Coach Duane, as well as the returning players, are excited to meet the new members of the team and see how the season plays out.