Most programs that lose three of their top four leading scorers to graduation might take a step back offensively.

Don’t tell that to Panther Valley boys’ basketball.

Despite the departures of last year’s seniors — Logan Fisher, Connor Penberth and Brady Jones — head coach Patrick Crampsie, now entering his 25th season with the Panthers, isn’t letting the change in personnel lower expectations.

For him, it’s about the next players stepping in. This season, that begins with the senior trio of Brody Breiner, Danny Wehr and Ben Banneravage.

“Those three are going to step into the roles of the other guys we lost,” Crampsie said. “We’re going to lean on those three heavily, not only for production, but also as leaders.”

Complementing that group is sophomore Chase McArdle, who provides versatility with his length and the ability to score in multiple ways.

Filling the fifth and final starting spot will likely come down to juniors Jarrel Thomas and Jake Moyer — two players Crampsie praised for their defensive impact.

“At our playoff game last year against Central Catholic, we needed someone to try to slow them down and disrupt some things in the middle, and Jarrel did a fantastic job of that,” Crampsie said. “He put in a lot of work in the offseason, and I think this is the year that he’s going to blossom. He’s worked his tail off and we’re expecting a lot out of him as well.”

“Moyer handled the point guard duties for us last year on the JV level, and during the summer showed us a lot of good things at both guard positions — the point and shooting guard. He’s someone that we’ll be counting on big time.”

Rounding out the roster, two seniors — Edison Mitchell, a perimeter threat, and Gino Williams, who can score inside — are expected to provide depth. Additional guards likely to see time include sophomores Cy Maynard and Tyler Hall, along with freshman Corrigan Crampsie.

The Panthers aim to build on last season’s 12-11 record, which earned them a berth in the District 11 Class 4A playoffs. After a 69-35 loss to Allentown Central Catholic in the quarterfinals, the message moving forward became clear.

“I think the biggest teaching point from that game started immediately when that game was over, and that was getting in the weight room,” Crampsie said. “That was by far the strongest, most physical, most athletic team that we played. The coaches here work together, and we’re working very hard to give our kids the opportunity to get stronger and faster and more athletic as much as possible throughout each sports season. In order to take that next step, you want to set yourself up with the best first-round matchup that you can.”

With a shift in leadership and last year’s 4-11 Schuylkill League record, it would be easy to assume Panther Valley might be looking up at most of the division. But Crampsie emphasizes that the record doesn’t reflect just how competitive the Panthers were — and how close they may be to turning the corner.

“Although we didn’t win as many league games last year as we had hoped, we were extremely competitive,” Crampsie said. “We’ve gotten to the point where over the years it took a while where we improved our standing in the league and then got to the point where we could compete with the top teams in the league. We’ve been very competitive with them and got wins the last couple years here and there. Now the next step is doing that on a more consistent basis.

“So I do think we have the pieces to be able to do that. You hope rough nights don’t happen, but in the Schuylkill League Division 1, there’s going to be a few along the way. How you bounce back defines your season.”

Panther Valley opens the season Friday at home against Marian Catholic.