Though the roster has shifted for Snider from a 13-12 mark a season ago, what remains constant is the program’s hunger to chase another SAC and Sectional title under the rallying cry: “addicted to discipline.”
And that is something to keep in mind. Even with just an average season when it comes to the record, the Panthers still captured a Sectional title last Spring, the fourth straight for the program as coach Reggie Tharp has won a postseason crown each of his seasons leading Snider.
At the heart of what this team can build around is Janaya Cooper, now a sophomore, who last year averaged 14.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while earning First Team All-SAC and All-State Underclassman honors. She has also been recognized as the top player in her class in the state and was an OTH All-Area and All-Freshman recipient. Her emergence as a two-way force gives the Panthers a clear go-to option and a foundation upon which to build.
Joining her in the returning core are key contributors who know what it takes in tight games. Senior Gracie Smith will run the point with slashing vision and leadership. Mackenzie Carter, another sophomore grader, offers positional flexibility at guard/forward. Mylee Hurse, in her junior year, brings backcourt depth as another primary facilitator. While only one starter from last season returns, these players logged valuable minutes during last year’s regional push and understand the pressures of expectation.
Supplementing that return group are newcomers who could make immediate impacts. Makenzie White, a freshman forward, brings fresh energy and length inside. Izzie Eke, a junior transfer capable of playing well along the wing, adds athleticism, versatility, and potentially some early firepower to the wing rotation. Their arrival helps offset the losses the team incurred over the summer.
Indeed, the departures are not insignificant. The Panthers graduated Kyra Parker, Saniah Sandlin, Brie Barnes, Zy Phinezy, and Nella Matilla—players whose presence and contributions will be missed in the locker room and on the floor. Replacing both leadership and consistent production is a tall order, especially in a competitive Summit conference.
“Our biggest room for growth will be getting our starters acclimated to their new roles on the team also, at the same time building team chemistry as we only return one starter from last year,” Tharp said.
But if discipline, accountability, and trust become the cornerstones, the pieces have a chance to form something formidable.
With an eye on tradition and expectation, Snider’s goals remain high: compete for a SAC crown, win their Sectional, and navigate the postseason as a unit. If the Panthers’ motto holds true and their confidence follows, this next chapter might be among their most promising yet.
WHY #6?
Janaya Cooper, in short. Snider has a solid squad with a lot of newer and young faces, but when you have the top 2028 player in the state on your roster, it goes a long way to aim for dominance with help around her. Cooper is one of those rare gets for any program and her continued development is critical. While what she did during the summer with Always 100 doesn’t dent things like OTH’s Top 50, the summer work is still relevant.
Tharp has been able to maintain, develop and diversify the talent he has had since he took the lead at Snider and how he works new faces, both to the program and to the varsity level, into what the Panthers are doing is key. But with his body of work so far, don’t expect Snider to be out of the SAC conversation.
KEY GAME
November 4 vs. Warsaw
What a way to get the season going early on. The Tigers are likely to represent the biggest challenge on any team’s roster this season and Snider is no exception.
By getting this game in so early in the new season, Snider will at the very least have a great measuring stick for what they need to do in order to succeed in the SAC and postseason. Janaya Cooper will get a real test quick with the great backcourt play from the Tigers.
And if Snider can find a way by Warsaw? Well then all of the rest of us know where Snider is at from the tip of the season.
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