Putnam City North tips off the 2025-26 season Friday (Nov. 28) at the Thanksgiving Hoopfest in Duncanville, Texas.

The Panthers will try to build on a 19-10 campaign in DJ Lemons’ first year as the head coach. North fell in the first round of the state tournament.

What kind of team will this year’s group be?

“I think it’s still being shaped,” Lemons said via a preseason questionnaire.

He noted not having the full team in scrimmages in November.

“I think the thing that’s consistent with this year’s group is versatility, size and skill. I think they’ve shown a really good competitiveness so far.

“We’re still working on it, but I think that versatility and the ability to be a really sound defensive team is what it jumps out to me so far.”

Senior forward Nate Muriithi (6’6″) returns. Muriithi was the Panthers’ second leading scorer a year ago and earned All-District second team honors.

Fellow senior TJ McNeely, a 6-foot-3 wing is another returnee. McNeely landed on the All-District honorable mention list

“(He’s the) team captain, does all the little things for the team to be successful,” Lemons said.

Senior guard Malakye Schoats (5’10”) finished second in steals on the for the team last season.

Junior guard Mehki Thomas (6’2″) returns after earning All-District honorable mention last season, Thomas made the most 3-pointers last(45+). He shot 42 percent from beyond the arc.

Keaton Murry is a heralded sophomore guard (6’4″). Murry is ranked 60th in the nation for the class of 2028 by 247Sports. Lemons said Murry “will have a bigger role this season.” He had the second highest 3-point percentage on the team last season.

Sophomore guard Devion Gillispie (6′-2″) is a 2-way player. Lemons said he is “very coachable, a winner.”

The Panthers also have Miles Jackson, a transfer from Putnam City. Jackson is a 6-foot-7 junior wing. Lemons said he is a “versatile player, can score at all three levels.

“He will be a great addition to the players that all return.”

UP NEXT

North opens the season with host Duncanville (Texas) Friday (Nov. 28) at 9:30 p.m.

Duncanville (27-7 last season), also the Panthers, won the Texas 6A D1 state title last season. Duncanville is 3-0 this season.

On Saturday, North will play DeSoto (Texas) at 6:40 p.m.

The Eagles were 21-13 last season and are off to a 2-2 start.

Photographs courtesy of Richard T. Clifton.