When the Pikeville Lady Panthers defeated Johnson Central in last year’s 15th Region championship game, it marked the first time in 39 seasons the team was off to the Sweet 16.
It was also the first title for head coach Kristy Orem in her 21 years on the bench.
With the beginning of her 22nd season, she hopes her team can work its way back to the state’s biggest stage by March.
Pikeville returns three starters and its top reserve from last year’s 27-8 squad which fell in the opening round to Barron County at Rupp Arena.
Senior Kirsten Cole Williamson is the top returning scorer at 12.4 points per game and nearly eight rebounds. Seniors Kelsey Jo Tackett and Alivia Gearheart are back along with eighth-grader Trinity Rowe.
Other top seniors include Alexia Wilkerson and Michaela Hunter.
Top newcomers include Emma Ratliff, McKenzie Maynard, Rylee Theiss, Leighan Jackson, Kennedy Rash and Kylie Hall.
Pikeville opens its season at home against Pike County Central on Dec. 3.
Pikeville schedule 2019-20
Dec. 3 Pike Central Home
Dec. 5 Paintsville Away
Dec. 6 Magoffin County Home
Dec. 9 Ridgeview, Va. Home
Dec. 12 Johnson Central Away
Dec. 14 Perry Central Away
Dec. 19-21 Smoky Mountain Classic,
Gatlinburg-Pittman H.S.
Dec. 27 Pikeville Invitational
Dixie Heights Home
Jan. 4 Shelby Valley Away
Jan. 9 All ‘A’ Classic
at The Arena vs. Paintsville
Jan. 17 East Ridge Home
Jan. 18 Magoffin County Away
Jan. 20 Ashland Blazer TBA
Jan. 27 Lawrence County Away
Jan. 30 Shelby Valley Home
Feb. 3 East Ridge Away
Feb. 5 Pike Central Away
Feb. 6 Belfry Home
Feb. 8 Russell Home
Feb. 13 Letcher Central Home
Feb. 15 Perry Central Home
Feb. 17 Belfry Away
Feb. 20 Hazard Home