As the Latta Panthers prepare for their fourth spring state tournament appearance since 2022, all eyes are on senior standout Ryder Perry. The No. 2-ranked Panthers (25-3) are set to face eighth-ranked Christian Heritage (23-12) in the first round of the Class 2A-1 State Tournament on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Shawnee High School. With a storied program hungry for its first state title since 2005, Perry and his teammates are ready to make history—and they’re not just showing up to participate.

For Perry, this tournament run is personal. "It means a lot to me to make another state tournament trip, but the job’s not finished," he says with a focused tone. "We’ve said the whole season that our goal isn’t to make it there anymore, our goal is to go win something." That championship mindset has been the driving force behind a team that’s been building toward this moment for years.

Speaking of the team, Perry is quick to credit his fellow seniors—a deep, talented group that’s been together through thick and thin. "It’s great. I grew up playing with or against all of them, and they’re guys that I’ve spent countless hours over the last four years with," he shares. "I wouldn’t want any other group to go make a run at a championship with." That camaraderie, forged in early morning workouts and long practices, is the backbone of this Panther squad.

On the mound, Perry has been nearly untouchable this spring, boasting a perfect 5-0 record with just five earned runs allowed over more than 40 innings. When asked about his success, he deflects the praise to his coaches and teammates. "I just have to give a huge shoutout to our pitching coach (Trenton Golden). He’s really helped me get comfortable and come into my own out on the mound," Perry explains. "I also have to give a shoutout to Landon Fortner, our catcher, for being the guy to call pitches and just being a stud back there. He’s got me out of a handful of jams. I owe the majority of my success to them and a great defense behind me."

So, what’s the secret to Latta’s stellar 25-3 record? It’s a balanced attack that starts at the plate. "Our pitching and defense have been really good, but I think it’s our offense that leads the way by getting us ahead early and taking pressure off of our defense," Perry says. "Another thing I feel like our success comes from is the hours we’ve put in together—from two-a-days, to offseason, to our 6 a.m. workouts. This is a group that I’m proud to be a part of, and I can’t wait to go make some noise with them."

As the Panthers gear up for their championship push, one thing is clear: Ryder Perry and his teammates aren’t just playing for a title—they’re playing for each other. And that’s the kind of grit that makes for unforgettable sports stories. Whether you’re gearing up for game day or just love the game, let Latta’s journey inspire your own passion for the sport.