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By LOU HATTER
Rappahannock News Staff Writer
The Rappahannock Panthers begin their quest for a Bull Run District basketball title this week, ranked in a pre-season coaches' poll as one of the top three teams in the district.
Along with Central and Strasburg, Rappahannock shared the top spot in the traditional poll of the Bull Run District's coaches.
Obviously not wishing to appear over-confident, Coach Gary Leake was cautiously optimistic about his team. But, he pointed to the team's two pre-season scrimmage wins against AAA Fauquier High School (79-74), and Luray High School (12170). He noted, however, that Fauquier was missing two of its starters during the scrimmage.
Key to the team’s success this year. Coach Leake said, will be its experience, depth and the new high school gymnasium, as well as the support of the community for the basketball program.
The Panthers will field a “very experienced team," with eight returning players. Six of those returnees lettered last year. Three starters also returned this year: Eric Dunn, Doug Smith and Julian Groves.
Depth, Coach Leake said, will be an unaccustomed bonus this season for the Panthers. “That will be key. We have more depth than in any time in the past.”
And, the new gym has produced a team wRich carries with it a lot of pride, he added. “They have taken an extra amount of pride in the program this year. That could help them.” After a month of practicing every day, the team has adjusted to the new court. Coach Leake reported.
Although Coach Leake cautioned that pre-season scrimmages can be misleading, “the team has done a lot of things well during those scrimmages.” But, they have been at least as valuable in pointing out weak spots along with the team's strengths.
“We can coach the weaknesses and turn them into strengths, while improving the areas where we are strong,” he said. He suggested that the Panthers must improve their re
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