The St. Mary’s-Colgan Lady Panthers basketball team is gearing up for a new season with the difficult task of building upon one of the most successful and “rewarding” campaigns in recent memory. Under the guidance of veteran Head Coach Abby Farabi, the Panthers are once again a powerhouse in the CNC League and Class 2A.
Reflecting on a Rewarding 2024-25 Season
The Panthers had an outstanding 2024-25 season, finishing with an impressive 22-4 overall record and tying for 1st place in the tough CNC League with an 11-1 league record.
Colgan’s postseason run was a demonstration of their competitive fire, reaching the Class 2A State Tournament, where they ultimately finished 4th. Coach Farabi highlighted the team’s mental toughness as the most memorable part of the season.
“To see them overcome adversity and grow together on the court… We lost a few really close games, but I was so proud of how the kids competed and never gave up,” Farabi said. “We finished 4th place in the state, but it was one of my most rewarding seasons as a coach.”
The biggest challenges came in those final state games, which saw the Panthers lose a heartbreaker in the semifinals by one point in double overtime, followed by a three-point loss in the 3rd place game. The team’s ability to bounce back with character and composure after tough losses was a testament to their development.
Reloading for the Future
The Panthers will face the significant challenge of replacing key talent. The team lost four starters and a key reserve from last year’s highly successful squad.
However, the team does bring back five returning lettermen, including one returning starter, providing a core group to build around.
Key Returners
All eyes will be on Jakayla Davis, who returns as one of the state’s top scorers after averaging 25 points per game (ppg) last season. Her dynamic scoring will be crucial to Colgan’s offense.
Other experienced players expected to step up include:
- Janessa Davis
- Bella Ascanio
- Dani Yaghour
Key Newcomers
Colgan will rely on several promising new faces to fill the vacated starting spots. These newcomers are essential to the team’s success this year:
- Mari Gilmore
- Raigen Crager
- Kaitlin Schiefelbein
- Drew Dayton
Coaching Leadership
Colgan is led by Head Coach Abby Farabi, who is now entering her 15th year with the program. Allison Lathim and Alex Minton assist her. The long-standing coaching staff provides stability and a clear direction as the team integrates new talent into its championship culture.
The Panthers are poised to prove that they can continue their winning ways despite turnover, relying on competitive spirit and intense coaching to maintain their position as a top contender in the CNC League and Class 2A.
For more information on the St. Mary’s-Colgan Panthers, visit the school’s social media site at www.ollsmc.org.
