After capturing the CCIAC Division championship the previous year, the 1984-85 varsity basketball team put together another winning season. This squad was the first and last GCS team to reach the sectional semifinals since 1955.

     From 1982-85, the Panthers had a combined record of 39 wins and 20 losses. Doug Schindler and Seth Halftown were members of all three teams. Sophomore Scott Van Slyke connected on 31 out of 34 free throws to lead the league. Mike Miller, Jim Hassett and Greg Parkin all played important roles as Gowanda played their home games in front of large crowds. Mark Benton was the coach of all three teams. Impressive wins over Lake Shore, Fredonia, Salamanca, Southwestern and Olean highlighted the season.

     On March 1, 1985, an 88-76 loss to Bennett at Erie Community College in the Class C Sectional semifinal game put an end to one of the best eras in GCS basketball history.