Pelion’s basketball team is entering the 2025-26 season with a lot of excitement. 

The Panthers have steadily improved each season under head coach William Hickson. Last year, the team had its best campaign in years, finishing (16-9) overall and fourth in the region. 

With a senior-heavy squad this year, Hickson is expecting his team to make another jump and have an even better season, despite what outside observers believe. 

“They picked us fifth in the region this year, which kind of makes us happy,” Hickson said. “I think our kids have had that chip on their shoulder the first two years…  That's something we will, of course, remind our kids of on a daily basis.”

Leading the charge for the Panthers is returning All-Region forward Kolton Rogers. He averaged 11 points and eight rebounds last season.

Tyshawn Caldwell is another senior who will do big things, being selected to the preseason All-Region team. He was the second leading scorer last season, averaging eight points per game. 

“ His numbers, if he weren't so unselfish, his numbers could probably be a lot better,” Hickson said. “But we don't care about that. We try to play the game the right way.”

Jaden Moore, Daleon Phillips, Jai Chuniesingh, Jayden Fields and Daniel Adkins round out the team’s senior group. 

Hickson said his experience with this team over the past three seasons put them in the position they’re in now to have their best season yet. 

“ We're not trying to just let one player shine,” he said. “ It's about all these kids. I think they were hungry when we came in.” 

The Panthers pride themselves on being scrappy and aggressive. For them to win the way they want, they have to do all the little things. 

“ That's the ultimate compliment you can get from another coach, which my kids have gotten for two years, is how hard we play and how tough it is to gameplan for us,” Hickson said. “We take charges, we  get on the floor for loose balls, we play fundamental defensive basketball is what we do.” 

While their playstyle helps, Hickson said none of it would matter if the team hadn’t bought into his system. The Panthers believed what was being taught and went from five wins their first year to 16 last season. 

“From the first day to now is such a drastic change,” Hickson said. “They weren’t used to having a full summer program before we took over.  Now, they understand what I’m talking about, and in reality, I need them to lead each other. They can hear me coach them up, but I need my players to get on each other sometimes if we're not doing the right thing.”

Hickson said he’s excited to get this season going so the Panthers can show how far they’ve come, not just to him and their opponents, but the entire Pelion community as well. 

“ I think we got we did a good job of getting people interested last year, but when you win, that happens,” Hickson said. “Hopefully they'll come out and support these guys.”