Basketball

2024-2025 SEASON PREVIEW

The Panthers are looking to capture their first region championship since 2015 in Coach Gainous' third season at the helm. The 2024-2025 Panthers will have a nice blend of experience and youth. Defense, rebounding, grit and togetherness are the top priorities for the team.

The schedule will include new region opponents Warner Robins, Benedictine, Wayne County, Ware County and New Hampstead. Perry will also play rivals Houston County, Veterans, Peach County, Dooly County and Hawkinsville. The Panthers will round out their schedule playing Rutland (home and away), Bleckley County, Howard, Crisp County, Macon County and one non-region game at the Screamin Demon Christmas Invitational.

2022-2023, 2023-2024 SEASONS RECAP

Coach Gainous & staff begin their third season with the Panthers. In 2023-2024, the Panthers suffered a disappointing season going 7-19 overall losing seven contests by 10 or fewer points. Colby Dixon (SR forward) was named 2-AAAA all-region (third team). Dixon was the lone all-region member from Perry High School. Highlights from the season include sweeping rival Dooly County, splitting with long time rival and 2023-2024 region champion (2-AAA) Peach County, and defeating 6A school Tift County.

In 2022-2023, Perry went 17-13 overall (8-4 region; 2nd place) and finished runner-up in the 2-AAAA region tournament. The Panthers defeated Shaw in the first round of the state tournament to advance to the 'Sweet 16' eventually losing to Benedictine. Perry placed three players on the 2-AAAA all-region team led by 1st team guard Armar 'JR' Gordon (SR). Tre Wright (SR wing) was named to the 2nd team and Jaylon Edwards (SR forward) was selected to the 3rd team. Perry's seventeen wins were the most since the 2016-2017 season.

SUPPORT YOUR PANTHERS

Sponsorships and advertising opportunities are available! Increase customer reach, build customer awareness of your business and brand, and increase sales and demand by getting your banner hung in the competition gym!

There are also opportunities to advertise on our brand new media backdrop! Build your brand with a social media presence. Social media is the best way to grow your brand's following. Connect your brand with Perry Basketball on multiple social media platforms! Strong brand connection builds relationships, which can inspire repeat business.

GOLD LEVEL - Social Media Backdrop ($1000): Include an advertising spot on our social media backdrop (pre-game, post-game interviews), pre-game announcement at at home games, five free gate passes to all home games, framed team picture, and a 3 X 8 banner that will be hung in the competition gym.

MAROON LEVEL - Banners (New Sponsors are $300 and Renewals are $250): Includes Social Media shout-out, pre-game announcement at home games, two free gate passes to all home games, and a 3 X 5 banner that will be hung in the competition gym.

GO PANTHERS! Mark

AL THORNTON - NBA PLAYER

Al Thornton (6'8 small forward) starred for the Panthers at 'THE PIT' under former head coaches Carl Thomas & Brett Hardy from 1999-2003. Thornton was an all-region, all-middle georgia and all-state selection. His senior year, Al scored 53 points in a game and had several 40 point outings. Al went on to play collegiately for the Florida State Seminoles from 2003-2007. Al had an outstanding college career at FSU making the Associated Press All-American team (third team), was a unanimous first team All-ACC selection and was runner-up ACC player of the year. He led the ACC in scoring and averaged 7 rebounds per game his senior year.

Al was selected 14th overall in the 2007 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. During his rookie season, Al averaged 12.7 points and 4.5 rebounds a game. Thornton was named to the 2008 NBA All-Rookie First Team. The next season, Al averaged a career high in points (16.8), rebounds (5.2), and minutes played (37.4). He played for three teams in four seasons in the NBA (LA Clippers, Washington, and Golden State). For his NBA career, Al average 11.9 points and 4.2 rebounds. Al continued his professional career overseas in 2012 (Zhejiang Lions) and is currently playing for Penarol Mar del Plata. Al is the son of Alford and Philomenia Thornton.

GHSA STATE CHAMPIONS

1947, 1949, 1953, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966

GHSA STATE RUNNER-UP

1934, 1935, 1943, 1985, 1998

GHSA STATE TOURNAMENT

1927, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1955, 1956,

1957, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001,

2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, 2023

DISTRICT / REGION CHAMPIONS

1927, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1940, 1942, 1943, 1944, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, 1953, 1955, 1956,

1957, 1958, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1966, 1981, 1985, 1994, 1998, 1999, 2015

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