Texarkana Panthers

The Texarkana Panthers are a franchise of the American Basketball Association based in the Texarkana metropolitan area in Arkansas and Texas. The team plays in the Southwest Division. Although the Panthers are considered to represent southwest Arkansas (and Texarkana, Arkansas, in particular),[1] the team plays its home games in Hooks, Texas at the Hooks High School Gymnasium.[2] Their inaugural season was the 2013-14 ABA season in which they achieved a record of 1-5.[3]

Texarkana Panthers
Founded2013
LeagueABA (2013-present)
Team historyTexarkana Panthers (2013-present)
Based inTexarkana, Arkansas
ArenaHooks High School (TX) Gymnasium
ColorsPurple, Black
   
OwnerTorrell Johnson
Head coachKelvin Howell
Championships0
Division titles0
DancersPurple Illusion

History

When the team was formed in June 2013 by CEO/Owner Torrell Johnson, it was sometimes referred to as the "Twin City Texarkana Panthers," but that name was never official.[4] Torrell Johnson founded the club because he had always wanted to own his own franchise, and he also wanted to make a difference for the youth in the Texarkana region. Johnson, who grew up in nearby Waldo, Arkansas, started the team with support from his sister and president of the organization, Krystal Johnson.[1][5]

Some of the first tryouts for the initial 2013-14 team were held on June 22, 2013 at Columbia Christian School in Magnolia, Arkansas.[6] Tryouts for the Panthers' dance team, Purple Illusion, took place on June 29, 2013 in Magnolia.[7]

The team played its first game on November 21, 2013 against the Shreveport-Bossier Mavericks at Hirsch Memorial Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana.[8] The first home game for the club was played on December 28, 2013 against the Lake City Kingdom Riders.[9] Community outreach has been a main driving point behind the Panthers' organization. Because of this, they have hosted numerous awareness and appreciation nights, including an HIV awareness night and a military personnel appreciation night.[2][5]

Season-by-Season Breakdown
Season League Division Finish Wins Losses Pct. Postseason Results
Texarkana Panthers
2013-14ABASouthwest5th15.166
Regular season15.166
Playoffs00.000
Regular season and Playoffs combined15.166

[3]

References
  1. Smith, Gerren (June 19, 2013). "ABA team develops in Southwest Arkansas, looks for Hope talent and surrounding areas" (online article). Hope Star. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  2. "Texarkana Panthers hosting Military Appreciation Night" (online article). Hope Star. January 21, 2014. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  3. "TEXARKANA PANTHERS basketball team". Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  4. "American Basketball Association -The Twin City Texarkana Panthers". Texarkana Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  5. "Texarkana Panthers". FedEx Small Business Big Grant. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  6. Tidwell, Jordan (June 21, 2013). "Texarkana Panthers Basketball Tryouts". KPWW Power 95.9. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  7. "Texarkana Panthers Dance Team Tryouts". Advocate Press. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  8. "Schedule for 2013 - 14". Retrieved March 30, 2014.
  9. "Texarkana Panthers vs New Orle." KPXI. Retrieved March 30, 2014.
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