Neosho County Panthers Conclude Season with First-Round Defeat, Coach Shaffer Eyes Future Improvements

The Neosho County Panthers' season concluded with a first-round defeat in the NJCAA Region VI Tournament against the Fort Scott Greyhounds. The Panthers lost 74-61 on Monday, with 19 turnovers compared to Fort Scott's nine. This led to a second-half surge by the Greyhounds. Head coach Taylor Shaffer attributed the defeat to turnovers and the Greyhounds' offensive approach. Despite the loss, the Panthers finished with a 16-14 overall record, their first winning season in eight years.

Shaffer expressed disappointment but also recognized the team's accomplishments. He maintained that the team was among the top four in the conference and had potential. However, Fort Scott's playing style was a challenge. The coach also noted the team's defensive prowess, as they ranked in the national top-10 and limited teams to an average of 67.2 points per game.

The Panthers ended the regular season on a high note, winning three of their last four KJCCC games before the defeat to Fort Scott. They now need to find replacements for their top-four scorers - Kirisome, Howell, Holmes, and Obeng - who contributed 71% of the team's scoring. Howell and Obeng were also the team's leading rebounders.

Shaffer stressed the significance of defense in his recruitment strategy, stating that players who can't guard won't be selected. He expressed the need for taller and larger guards and aims to recruit players who can provide consistent offense.

Despite the defeat, Shaffer plans to return to Chanute for his third season as head coach. He is dedicated to improving the team's standing in the KJCCC and building on this season's progress.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.