BRISTOLVILLE, Ohio (WKBN) – Bristol’s post-season run in 2024 came to an end abruptly with a one-point setback against Lowellville (31-30) in its first game.
The Panthers are looking for more success this year with plenty of experience returning.
“We expect to get better as the year goes on; and to compete for a league title,” states coach Randy Ward. “We have a hardworking and connected group. We feel really good about our team.”
Bristol lost Payton Brook (10.3 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Destiny Ernst (4.8 ppg) and Briauna Klingensmith (11.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg) but welcome back its point guard Samantha Mansfield (3.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg), its post player Peyton Gall (4.3 ppg, 8 rpg) and a trio of letter winners in Sadie Mansfield, Lauren Church (3.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and Cadence Imhoff. Newcomers include Maddi Armour, Layla Garcia, Caitlyn Harkelrode and a pair of freshmen in Amiah Georges and Leah Prog.
“Our five returning letter winners played big roles for us last season,” said Ward. “We look forward to seeing them take the next step. We’re confident some of our newcomers will provide the depth we need to compete.”
Bristol will open against Lowellville on November 23.
Bristol Panthers
Fast Facts
Head Coach: Randy Ward, 3rd season (20-24)
Assistant Coaches: Joe Brahler, Jill Church, Kris Tabor
2023-24 Record: 9-14 (5-5), 3rd place in NAC
2023-24 Post-Season Finish: Lost in Sectional Final to Lowellville (31-30)
Team Stats
Scoring Offense: 41.2
Scoring Defense: 38.7
Individual Leaders
Scoring: Briauna Klingensmith, 11.4
Rebounding: Peyton Gall, 7.9
Assists: Sammy Mansfield, 2.8
Free Throw Percentage: Destiny Ernst, 59.0%
2024-25 Schedule
Nov. 23 – Lowellville
Nov. 26 – Western Reserve
Dec. 3 – at Windham
Dec. 5 – Chalker
Dec. 7 – Brookfield
Dec. 10 – St. John
Dec. 13 – Lordstown
Dec. 16 – East Canton
Dec. 20 – Fairport Harding
Dec. 23 – at Newton Falls
Jan. 2 – at Champion
Jan. 6 – Grand Valley
Jan. 9 – Maplewood
Jan. 13 – at Mathews
Jan. 16 – at Pymatuning Valley
Jan. 20 – at Badger
Jan. 24 – Windham
Jan. 27 – at Chalker
Jan. 31 – at St. John
Feb. 3 – Medina Christian
Feb. 6 – at Lordstown
Feb. 8 – at Liberty
