By Allen VanNess (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Losing five players, including three starters from last season’s team, head coach Joshua Hart and the Forsyth Panthers know this is a transition year for the program, but that does not mean that expectations do not remain high for a team that finished with a 16-11 record last season.
In fact, they are as high as ever.
“This season we are looking to change the face of our program,” said Hart. “With losing five seniors and returning two starters, we will be bringing in new faces with limited varsity experience. Our expectations will remain high as we push this new group in the direction of outworking our opponents and continuing to compete at a high level. We have a very motivated group of young athletes, and we are excited to see what they can do.”
Those lost to graduation include starters Jett Schanda (all-district, all-conference), Risten Grady (all-district, all-conference) and Cade Coleman. Schanda leaves the Panthers after starting the past four years and led the team in scoring and assists, while Grady departs after starting the last three years and was the area’s leading shot blocker with 6.8 blocks per game. Coleman started for two years and brought hustle and a spark to Forsyth.
Also graduating for the Panthers were Austin Padgett and Robbie Huggins.
The Panthers expect their two returning starters, senior Chase Davidson and Micaiah Rocha, who was an all-conference recipient a season ago, to step up take on a leadership role for the team.
“Chase is one of our team’s best defenders and leaders,” Hart said. “He will be looked to guard the best player on the other team each game, while Micaiah is one of the most athletic athletes in our school. He is constantly working to better himself. I think Micaiah is setting himself up for a break out year.”
Along with Davidson and Rocha, two of the three returning lettermen for the Panthers are seniors Trey Henson and Bryce Mann.
“Trey and Bryce are the shooting duo for us,” Hart said. “Both will be looked to shoot anytime they touch the ball with space. They have had several games in the past where they have hit multiple threes in a single game.”
Junior James Kohn is the other returning letterman from last season and will be looked upon to play big minutes for the Panthers.
“James brings physical toughness to our team and is able to guard anyone on the floor,” Hart said. “We are looking for James to make some major contributions for us this year.”
The Panthers also hope junior Anthony Stanford can play a major role in the success of the team this season and earns high praise from his coach.
“Anthony has developed into one of the most athletic, hardest working and best leaders in the program,” said Hart. “We look for Anthony to have a break out year for us. He has the ability to guard anyone on the floor and will be asked to do so.”
Overall, Hart knows his team has a tough road ahead in the conference and district, but he also believes his team can play with the best of them.
“This year will once be tough to make a run through the SWCL,” Hart said of Forsyth’s conference. “I think every SWCL game has the potential to be a big game. If you can make it through our district, you will have a good shot to make a run. As for Forsyth, we are excited to get started to see what we can do with athleticism and hard work.”
The Forsyth Panthers begin their season on Nov. 22 when they host the Fair Grove Eagles.
