NORFOLK, Neb.- It’s a new era at Norfolk High School for the girls basketball team.

Brent Pollari is in his first year as head coach for the Panthers after a distinguished college coaching career. He's the winningest girls basketball coach in Wayne State history. Right now, his focus is on learning and fun.

“We’re doing a lot of learning right now because everything’s new for them, players, and for us coaches too,” Pollari said. “So it’s been a lot of kind of breakdown stuff, getting them in a system and being able to play and have fun with the game of basketball is something we’re looking forward to.”

One bright spot Pollari is looking forward to this season is the return of the Panthers’ leading scorer.

Bo Caskey averaged 13.6 points per game last season. After putting in extra work over the offseason, she’s looking forward to getting more buckets — and breaking records.

“I worked a lot all summer. I played on a club team this summer, and I put in a lot of work, and I’m really excited. I have some goals to break some records, so hopefully that will happen,” she said.

Last season, the Panthers finished 7-16. With the first game of the season approaching, Pollari wants his team to know it’s about how they move forward.

“It’s a new chapter; it’s a new team,” Pollari said. “I know a lot of the team is returning, but some people are coming off injuries. It’s a whole mix and match of things that are new. So I think they’re excited to play. We’re excited to get on the road here and start off with a long drive, but it’ll be good and get some basketball in.”

The Panthers open the season on the road against North Platte on Friday at 5:30 p.m.