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(Stars and Stripes)

BOYS BASKETBALL

Kadena Panthers

2022-23 season record — 13-10 overall, 7-0 Okinawa Athletics and Activities Council.

Head coach — Antiwon Tucker, fifth season.

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Second.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — Eight.

Key performers — Angel Torrado, Sr., PG; Drew Eaglin, Sr., SF; DeShaun Nixon, Jr., SG; Jaden Patsel, So.., G; Jaden Allen, Sr., G-F; Corey Tripp, Jr., F; Cedric Dorelein, Sr., G; Sebastian Dorelein, So., G; Jaden Vergara, Jr., G.

Outlook — Contending. Panthers return four of five starters, including two named to the All-Far East team last February. A wealth of experience balanced with a handful of youngsters.

Kubasaki Dragons

2022-23 season record — 2-5 Okinawa Athletics and Activities Council.

Head coach — Jonathan Fick, 15th season.

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Fourth.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — 13.

Key performers — Troy Harris, Jr., PG; Carlos Cadet, Jr., G-F; Jordan Sellers, Fr.; Maurice Brown, Fr.; Jin Inman, Fr.; Alex James, Fr., C.

Outlook — Rebuilding-reloading, with an eye on contending down the road. Precious few experienced players, but an influx of freshmen whom Fick calls “gritty.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Kadena Panthers

2022-23 season record — 13-4 overall; 5-0 Okinawa Athletics and Activities Council.

Head coach — Alysa Settles, first season.

Far East Division I Tournament finish — Second.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — Seven.

Key performers — Marina Sawyer, Sr., F; Reina Ohene, Jr., G; Katelyn Wetherington, Sr., F; Kassidy Kimbrough, Jr., G.

Outlook — Rebuilding A young group with just two seniors. Not much height. Heavy on the underclassmen, some of whom have never played ball before. Losing forward Destiny Richardson and guard NyKale Penn, both to transfer, will be tough to overcome.

Kubasaki Dragons

2022-23 season record — 2-12 overall; 0-4 Okinawa Athletics and Activities Council.

Head coach — Robert Barrett, first season.

Number of Far East Division I Tournament titles — Nine.

Key performers — Jacqueline Mitchell, So., G; Peyton Wilcox, Fr., G; Naveah Gilbert, So., G; Lillian Law, Sr., F; Solares Solano, Jr., G.

Outlook — Rebuilding-reloading. A guard-heavy unit with plenty of youth, seven juniors and just one senior, Law.

WRESTLING

Kadena Panthers

Far East tournament titles — 6, fourth most all-time.

Head coach — Joey Wood, third season.

Key performers — Jeremiah Drummer, Sr., 215; James Kinney, Jr., 152; Josiah Drummer, So., 127; Nathaniel Macias, Jr., heavyweight; Takuma Stofer, Sr., 107; Brayden Holmes, Jr., 121; Cedric Ferguson, Jr., 114; Joseph Oh, Sr., 145; Bruce Young, Sr., 145.

Outlook — Contending. A deep, experienced bunch, with plenty of youth blended in; Panthers should field full lineups for all major competitions this season.

Kubasaki Dragons

Far East tournament titles — 28, most all-time.

Head coach — Alex High, third season.

Key performers — Gavin Ocampo, Sr., 121; Aidan Hutton, Sr., 133; Anthony Finegan, Sr., heavyweight; Tim Cope, So., 127; Max Lundberg, jr., 160; Nathan Voelkel, So., 145.

Outlook — Reloading with an eye on contending. Though the Dragons lost plenty of seniors, they have a full contingent of 50 in the practice room.

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Dave Ornauer has been employed by or assigned to Stars and Stripes Pacific almost continuously since March 5, 1981. He covers interservice and high school sports at DODEA-Pacific schools and manages the Pacific Storm Tracker.

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