After finishing fourth in league play a year ago, the Oregon Panthers at the halfway point of the Badger South season are in first place.
Sitting at 6-1 with a four-game conference winning streak heading into Thursday's match-up with Milton, Oregon finds itself a game up on Monona Grove and Watertown, and a game and a half ahead of Edgewood.
Coach Adam Wamsley credits the development of the returning players, as they've gained experience both from being a part of the system he runs for another year as well as the Badger South losing a very talented senior class that included two Big Ten recruits from a season ago.
While the first run through had plenty of success, the conference is still difficult top to bottom, and with only one month until the playoffs, games pick up in intensity as the Panthers see teams for a second time.
Additionally, Coach Wamsley discussed Saturday's Badger Challenge loss to the three-time defending Division 2 state champion Beaver Dam Golden Beavers, and has a special message for Beaver Dam coach Tim Chase and the entire program.