Panther basketball eyes runs to State

Jefferson High’s basketball teams this year are loaded with talented seniors, many of whom have played together for years. Expectations are high: Both girls and boys squads are eyeing the prospect of deep postseason runs. Can they pull it off? As the season gets underway, here’s what Panther fans can look for.

Girls: ‘Ready to go out with a bang’

Three years ago, you could see where things were headed. Amid a rebuilding season, a freshman, Rachel Van Blaricom, was emerging as an exceptional all-around player, already the Panthers’ floor leader; and a skinny guard, Dakota Edmisten, was sinking all sorts of shots from deep.