BATTIEST LADY PANTHERS
COACH: Chris Gibbs
Record: 8–12
OUTLOOK
The Battiest Lady Panthers enter the new season with experience, size, and a renewed sense of confidence under head coach Chris Gibbs, who returns for his second year at the helm. With a strong core of returning contributors, Gibbs believes this group is ready to take a significant step forward. “We have four returning starters. I believe we will be more competitive than we were last year,” he said.
Leading the way is senior standout Korley Batchelor (5-9, Sr., Guard), a Top 100 nominee and the Panthers’ most seasoned player. Batchelor’s leadership, playmaking, and athleticism will anchor the backcourt, giving Battiest a reliable presence who can handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and guide a roster filled with underclassmen and rising talent.
In the frontcourt, junior Braylie Ward (5-9, Jr., Forward) brings length and energy, providing a strong interior presence on both ends of the floor. Alongside her is Blakely Charleston (5-10, Jr., Forward), another long, physical player who gives the Lady Panthers size around the rim and the ability to challenge opponents in the paint.
The guard play is strengthened by junior Lilly Armenta (5-5, Jr., Guard), a quick and active perimeter player who adds ball-handling depth and defensive pressure. Her ability to attack off the dribble and get Battiest into its offensive sets makes her an important part of the rotation.
Sophomore Jacie Head (5-9, So., Forward) is the team’s underclassman to watch — a young athlete with size, versatility, and a growing skill set. Head is expected to take on a bigger role this season, using her length and mobility to impact the game on the boards and defensively.
The program’s character and culture are highlighted by junior Blaklie Charlton, selected as the team’s Character Counts representative, and freshman Laynie Hardaway, named FFA Student of the Month — two players who exemplify the work ethic Gibbs is building throughout the roster.
With returning starters, improved depth, and a coach confident in their growth, the Battiest Lady Panthers appear poised for a stronger and more competitive campaign.
