Panthers claim second straight Conference Crown!

After going 37 years without a conference title the FZN girls basketball program has now won the last two. This past Thursday, the Panthers defeated Washington 35 – 32 to claim their second straight GAC Central title after breaking a 37-year drought in 2019. The Panthers finished the conference season with a 9 – 1 record to outpace rival Fort Zumwalt East, which finished 8 – 2. The Panthers latest victory came in the regular season finale, a night that saw the program recognize their five seniors: Jayden Stahl, Jordyn Grimes, Jessica Clausner, Claudia Hoff and Grace Bauer. First year head coach Dusty Weiskopf, who came to FZN after a successful stint at Union High School, credited the team’s two conference victories, a triple overtime win over Fort Zumwalt East and a one-point victory on the road at Fort Zumwalt South last week, as putting the Panthers over the top in the conference race. Weiskopf stated, “Beating East and South in back to back nights is what propelled us to the title. Then to finish the week off with a win at Timberland put us in the driver’s seat.” Weiskopf continued, “Winning back-to-back titles after going so long without one really makes this special. Having two of the best players (Grimes and Stahl) in the league really helps.” The Panthers, who are now 19 – 5 overall this season, open District play next Tuesday against Fort Zumwalt West. The Panthers have split their two pervious match-ups with West this season. Coach Weiskopf had this to say about the District Tournament, “Our district is tough, each team brings something to the table. The key is being healthy and being ready to play good basketball.” GAC South champion Francis Howell Central is the District’s number one seed. The Panthers are seeded second.