As March Madness approaches, excitement is building here at Panther Creek High School. The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament brings together 68 teams for a nail-biting, near unpredictable battle for the national championship, and it’s not just the players who are getting hyped. Students and teachers alike are filling out brackets, placing bets, and rooting for their favorite teams.

Coach Rob, Panther Creek’s head basketball coach, explains that it’s a great way to connect with the school community, whether you’re a basketball fan or not. Participation is encouraged! He states that each year, he’ll “do an online bracket”. When asked who he was personally rooting for he exclaimed, ”Auburn!”

Student involvement is also very popular. Ethan Carpenter, a senior, thinks “probably either Duke or Auburn” will come out the other end victorious. Isaiah Wilson, a 10th grader, when asked if he was making a bracket, said, “Not officially, but I do have my thoughts. I want South Carolina to go far—they went undefeated last year.” 

Once the tournament wraps up, the Panther Creek Newspaper will release the results of our own school’s bracket challenge, announcing our winner and their prize.

Whether it’s through friendly competition, heated bracket debates, or the shared excitement of the games, March Madness is certainly something to look forward to this school year. Updates to come: last edits March 24.