Tip-off began November 3 for the Panthers. Basketball’s freshman, junior varsity, and varsity teams had their tryouts. The varsity team practices a good three weeks before their first game: the Thanksgiving Tournament. The tournament was hosted by Immaculate Conception in Elmhurst, Il.

“I think we were very prepared for the tournament, and I was excited to start competing,” said Regina Trejo ’17.

The Panthers finished fourth, which was not the team goal. “It would have been nice to win the tournament, but we used it as a stepping-stone and learned from our mistakes,” said Maeve Degnan ’15.

Degnan is one of the four captains on the varsity team, along with Elizabeth Kwakye ’15, Audrey Jahns ’15, and Maggie Palmer ’15.

The Panthers had a weekend of practices before their first non-tournament game against Northside Prep. The game was away, but the Panthers brought a lot of energy to the game and won. There was a very long run of away games before the Panthers could finally break in their home court.

They continued their winning streak by defeating Queen of Peace December 6. “Playing all of our first games away was difficult, but I’m glad our team fought hard and earned some victories,” said Kwakye.

The Panthers are now 5-4 and play Loyola Academy Monday, Decemeber 15. “This is a very big game for us. Loyola is in our conference, and they are right down the street. It would be nice to have a victory over them, but we go in with the mind set of just playing hard and smart,” said Degnan.

The varsity team is excited to welcome five new players. Grace Tamisiea ’18 is a freshman with great potential. Madelyn Sweeney ’16, Regina Trejo ’17, and Emily Zalinksi ’17 are all former junior varsity players and Claire Conroy ’15 is a senior. Conroy came out of a three year retirement and decided to play basketball again her senior year.

“I’m so happy Claire came out this year! She contributes to the team in so many ways and we are lucky to have her,” said Jahns.

The Panthers are coached by Kerry Durham and Aaron Borjoin.