Winter sports started practices on Nov. 16, but the girls basketball team was missing five varsity players due to testing positive for Covid. 

It was a rough beginning for the Panthers, who watched their 2020 season end in the Class 6A semifinals in March due to Covid-19.

 “Having our last couple of games canceled was sadly just the start of it. I don’t want it to happen again and hope for a great season,” junior Tatum Boettjer said.

This season will be different for the Panthers as coach Jodie Karsak, who is in her eighth season, announced she will be leaving after this season to move with her family to Kansas City. 

The start of the season could be delayed until January. There will be a vote by the Kansas State High School Activities Association’s executive board on Tuesday regarding the start date for the winter sports season.