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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Pelham High School Basketball is adding a festive twist to its annual Panther Madness showcase this year, inviting families to celebrate Halloween with a night of hoops, candy and community spirit.

The Panther Madness Trick or Treat will take place Monday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Pelham High School gymnasium. Tickets are $5 each, with kids receiving free admission when accompanied by a paying adult. Children are invited to wear costumes—though masks are not allowed—to trick-or-treat at booths hosted by several Pelham High School clubs while enjoying the basketball showcase.

“Panther Madness is our open practice for the Pelham community to enjoy,” said Will Gilmer, history teacher, assistant boys basketball coach and director of basketball operations at Pelham High School. “It includes all programs from middle school through varsity for both boys and girls. There are scrimmages, contests and fan experiences for everyone to enjoy. This year, different clubs from PHS will be hosting trick-or-treat booths at the event.”

Participating groups include Pelham United, HOSA, Key Club, PHS Ambassadors, Student Government Association, Book Club, SkillsUSA and Culinary, among others. Some will host traditional trick-or-treat stations, while others will offer games for kids to enjoy.

The idea to merge the long-running Panther Madness event with a Halloween celebration came during planning meetings with Pelham athletic director Trey Simpson, head boys coach Greg Dickinson and head girls coach Haley Troup.

“Since Panther Madness is the Monday before Halloween, we thought it would be a fun idea and a good opportunity to get more kids interested and excited for Pelham Basketball,” Gilmer said.

Beyond the candy and costumes, Gilmer said the event is about building memories and excitement for the season ahead.

“Our hope is that the kids and parents alike want to come to more games through the season after this experience,” he said. “We also hope that we can make Panther Madness Trick or Treat even better next year.”

Gilmer added that having student clubs rally around basketball shows the strength of Pelham’s school culture.

“It shows the family culture that Pelham City Schools has,” he said. “We want to get the Pelham City School community excited about the season and showcase the skills that their classmates will display, not only at Panther Madness, but in the 2025-26 season.”

Asked why families shouldn’t miss it, Gilmer summed it up simply: “We want to give young panthers something to look forward to so that when they get into high school, they are able to give back to the next generation of Pelham Panthers.”