By Paisley Mangold, social media editor

The Saegertown boys basketball team faces Lakeview for the third year in a row in the District 10 2A playoff quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Friday. The outcome will determine whose season comes to an end.

Even though COVID-19 has made for a tough season, the boys compiled a regular season record of 13-7. Head coach Chris Greco is optimistic heading into Friday’s playoff game.

“I think if we execute, we have a very good chance of winning,” Greco said. “But if we come out slow and don’t have that energy, it could be an entirely different basketball game for us.”

The Panthers lost to Lakeview in the playoffs the past three seasons. They hope this year is different.

“We’re in a good place mentally. You hate to be over-confident because as soon as you overdo it you become relaxed and uncomplacent,” Greco said. “I think we’re prepared and that they understand what it takes to get to the level that we’ve been wanting them to get to.”

Junior starters Jaden Wilkins and Isaac Johnson talked about how much the team has improved over the years.

“I feel good about tomorrow,” Johnson said. “This is our first good year in a long time, and I think we’re definitely going into the right direction for next year’s season.”

The Panthers hope teamwork will help them advance in this year’s playoffs.

“Our goal this year was to make it to the playoffs and continue past the first round,” Wilkins said. “I believe this is reachable because of the team’s chemistry this year.”

Tune into the game by visiting thepantherpressdotcom.com. Updates will be posted on The Panther Press’ social media @pantherpressshs.