The Powell High School freshman boys’ basketball team couldn’t have started the 2020-21 season better.

After four games, the Panthers have yet to lose, starting the season 4-0. Of those four wins, three came by double digits.

Powell’s only single-digit margin came against Riverton’s froshmore team in the season opener. Despite a significant height disadvantage, the Panthers prevailed for what coach Greg Stenlund called their most impressive win so far.

The coach cited the team’s depth and high basketball IQ as reasons for this unscathed start to the season.

“I have confidence in all 12 players which is a rare phenomenon as a freshman coach,” Stenlund said. “Their 4-0 start can be attributed to very balanced scoring through the whole lineup.”

Three players are averaging double figures in the scoring column to start the year: Jhett Schwahn, Gunnar Erickson and Trey Stenerson. Close behind, Brock Johnson and Marshall Lewis are averaging nine and eight points per contest, respectively.

According to Stenlund, Stenerson has been the squad’s top overall player. At point guard, he “does a great job of directing the offense, taking it hard to the basket, playing solid defense and rebounding well,” the coach said.

Defensively, Schwahn and Johnson have been the leaders. That duo “won’t back down from anyone and always gives their best on both ends,” Stenlund said. The coach said Erickson is the best thinker on the court, as “he will go fast when it’s feasible and slow it down when it’s intelligent.”

Stenlund also noted valuable bench contributions from Cade Queen, Eli Estes, Isaiah Woyak and Seeger Wormald.

Though Powell’s first four games have been stellar, the coach expects the team to make strides upon returning from winter break. Despite their opponents’ low-scoring figures, Stenlund said there is much room for improvement on the defensive end.

“I will expect us to improve as a team on the defensive end,” Stenlund said. “The great thing about this team is that they are very coachable as well as very quick so I will expect our defense to improve rapidly.”

Powell’s freshman team takes the hardwood on Saturday, playing a road contest against Meeteetse. Tipoff is slated for 2:30 p.m.