The 2017-2018 Drury basketball season has been outstanding. With both men and women’s teams being ranked in the top 10 nationwide, it seems nothing can stand in their way.

Junior forward Tyler Clanton believes teamwork is key to the team’s success.
Photo via Drury Athletics

Tyler Clanton, junior and starting forward for the team, shares what he thinks helps the Panthers succeed. “On the nights we are successful, we share the ball and move on offense,” he says. He goes on to share some team wisdom: “We have a saying that goes ‘move the ball and move players,’ and it’s what our offense motion hinges upon.” It seems that offense and defense have equal parts in their victories, however. “We also find success when we are locked in on defense, and are acting as a unit of five players instead of individuals,” he says.

This is Clanton’s first season as a Drury Panther, but it seems he is already making great memories. His favorite times with his team are birthdays. “Whenever it is one of the players’ or coaches’ birthdays, they have to run through a line with all of us giving them a birthday spank. It’s hilarious and light-hearted, and we always leave in a good mood.” It is this kind of togetherness that really brings the team together and leads to the success that makes Drury so outstanding.

Senior guard Heather Harman is one of the team’s core veteran members.
Photo via Drury Athletics

The Lady Panthers also have a recipe for success: great leaders and communication. Head coach Molly Miller credits their success to the older players. “We have two veteran senior leaders who have bought into the program and our style for the past four years, and the commitment to that and getting the other players on board has been instrumental in our success,” says Miller.

Freshman Azia Lynch agrees: “We have amazing senior leaders that are constantly helping and coaching us so we can become an even better athlete and be a successful team.” When asked about her favorite memory with the Lady Panthers, Lynch cannot choose just one, but she is optimistic for the upcoming games. “A memory I hope for in the future is to cut the nets and get a national championship,” she says.

Lynch and other player’s excitement for those hard games are what makes being a basketball coach so rewarding. Miller says, “We have such an eclectic group of players from age ranges to personalities, it’s really fun to see that blend into the product we get on the floor. What I have been impressed with so far is their hunger for the big games. They have really stepped up to challenges, and some of our bigger wins have been against our tougher competition.”

Not only have the basketball games been successful and triumphant, they have also been exciting performances. Many of the games have had coaches and fans alike on the edge of their seats as a determined player sinks a game-winning three-pointer in the last 30 seconds. Three-pointers, of course, are not only valuable for victory, but also for the sweet taste of Andy’s frozen custard. Seven three-pointers in a game and fans can redeem their ticket for a one dollar sundae at Andy’s that night or the day after. This is one more reason to come support your Panthers!

Article written by Delilah Gadd