Panthers eager to back offense with defense

The greatest show on hardwood is back once again this season.

Meadow Heights coach Tom Brown and his run-and-gun offense will try to build on a 19-7 season that included a conference title. The Panthers averaged 79.5 points per game last season and routinely scored in the 90s.

"Honestly," Brown said, "I think we'll average even more points this year."

Despite losing top scorer Joey Bell and sharp-shooter Chris Burr, the Panthers expect to have scoring options. Brad Adams, a senior point guard, is Meadow Heights' top returning scorer after averaging 16 points a game last season. Adams also led the team in assists.

Adams also will take on a more important role as one of the main seniors coming back. The Panthers will have eight seniors on the roster, but Adams and Terry Wagner are the most experienced of the group.

Wagner will bring back 13 points and likely play the other guard spot for the Panthers. Kelley likely will be a big contributor at a forward spot along with sophomore Heath Fulton.

While the Panthers were one of the highest scoring teams in the area last season, their defense was generous. Meadow Heights played several games where both teams scored into the 90s, something they will look to avoid this season.

"I think our defense is better this year, but they're going to have to prove it to me," Brown said. "I'm really hoping to improve a lot."

Brown has had winning seasons in each of his first two seasons, something that had not been done at Meadow Heights since Sam Sides had back-to-back winning season in 1986-87.

"This is my third year, and every year we've won more," Brown said,

With such a deep roster, Meadow Heights' practices have become more intense this season. That hard work and competition likely will show once the season begins.

"Our goal is we're going to outwork everybody," Brown said, "and we're doing it so far."