2006-07 Record: 18-9 GSAC Record: 4-2 (second) Location: LaGrange, Ga. Head Coach: Warren Haynes (LaGrange 1998; 61-671; sixth year) Conference: GSAC Gym: Mariotti Gymnasium Region: South

"We definitely lost some good players and we may not be as athletic, but we fully understand what our individual talents are;" sixth-year head coach Warren Haynes said. "We have a higher basketball IQ for reading situations with this year's team and understand no one individual can win games for us."

"We will miss Robby (Lawrence) and Antoine (Maddox) for sure, but we will still get up and down the floor and push the ball."

The Panthers have a solid nucleus of three seniors to build around. Forward Demetris Render is the team's leading returning scorer and has over 1,000 points in his career. Render averaged 15.5 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game last season.

Landon Baize provides quickness and speed at the point guard. He missed the last 10 games due to an injury but has started in at least one game in each of his three seasons with the Panthers. Baize finished second on the team in assists with 63 despite the lengthy absence.

Roger McDowell has been a solid contributor in the last three seasons. He appeared in all 27 games last season with six starts. McDowell is a three-point threat from outside and is able to penetrate in the lane.

On the 15-man roster, the Panthers will have 11 newcomers. Leading the newcomers is transfer Joe Cromwell. Cromwell, at 6-3, can play at guard or forward. He has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Two other transfers, sophomores Britt Gaylor and Caleb Smallwood, will compete for starting time at the guard position. Gaylor is a three-point threat, while Smallwood has good range with the ability to slash and score. Other transfers Brandon Maddox, brother of Antoine, and J.D. Hoglund add depth in the back court.    

The Panthers have two freshmen competing to back up Baize at point guard. Allyn Walls has quickness and speed like Baize, while Bradley Floyd can add stabilization as an outside scoring threat to the position.

Sophomore Drew Stewart at 6-5 and 230 pounds gives the Panthers size and strength around the basket. Stewart will be asked to offset the centers on opposing teams to give Render and the other forwards scoring opportunities. The Panthers will have three freshmen to go with Render and Stewart inside. Stephen Spivey (6-5, 200), Nick Whitfield (6-3, 200) and Deji Adako (6-5, 180) will all see playing time. Adako will miss the first month of the season with an injury.

"We have a really good work ethic right now," Haynes said. "I have been real impressed with how they have come together so quickly. The chemistry is real good for a team with 11 new guys on it."