The coach expects Borcher's fellow junior, AJ Anderson, to challenge for a varsity spot throughout the season. After some seasoning on the junior varsity squad last year, and a “good summer of playing,” Anderson made varsity for this week's Riverton tournament.
Returning sophomores Zane Bushnell and Colt Nix bring a year's worth of varsity experience back to the team.
Hildebrand said their scores are looking better already.
“They both came out of the gates Monday morning with their best qualifying scores to date, which is a great sign,” he said.
Also returning as sophomores are Drew Magill and Dillon Jeffs. Hildebrand thinks they'll be in the mix for tournament spots this year.
The team also is welcoming five freshman to the team, who Hildebrand called “a solid group.”
Brian Morse and Brady Schaefer already qualified for the Riverton tourney, and Hildebrand said Colter Adolph, Kyle Anderson, and Dusty Borcher have shown “solid potential” for landing tournament slots this year.
On the girl's side, newcomer Saige Smith, a junior, will represent the Lady Panthers. Hildebrand said Smith is improving, and hopes she'll be ready for tournament play by mid-season.
The PHS team will tee off at the two-day Riverton Invitational at noon today and 9 a.m. tomorrow (Friday).