Forsyth finished last season with a 13-13 record and graduated a five-player senior class.
Gone from last year are Chase Davidson, Trey Henson, Bryce Mann. Tyler Groves and Brenden Coker. The five combined to average 28.5 points per game.
Fortunately for the Panthers, they return senior Micaiah Rocha who averaged 22.4 points per game by himself last season along with 7.1 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.2 steals.
Senior Anthony Stanford is the other returning starter for the Panthers. He provides a strong No. 2 option for the Panthers coming off of a season that saw him lead the team in rebounding at 12.4 per game to go with his 10.4 points per game.
Forsyth may only have those two starters back, but that does not mean the Panthers will lack for depth or options at the varsity level.
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“Even though we only return two starters, we add a group of veteran senior support,” Forsyth head coach Josh Hart said. “Joining them is a group of young but talented players that are willing to do whatever it will take to help the team be successful. This year’s team will be one of the most coachable teams I have had. They are willing to try anything and capable of adjusting if things are not working. We are all excited to get things going and compete.”
That senior duo is joined by a deep group of classmates in Cameron Davis, James Kohn, Cale Wallace and Alex Powell. Davis will be an asset on the defensive end with the pressure he brings. Kohn averaged 3.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and a steal per game last season. Wallace brings strong shooting and defense. Powell was unable to play varsity last year after transferring in from Branson. This year he will be an anchor in the paint.
Junior Dawson Deroo is coming off of a strong summer and will be looked to for ball handling and shooting. He also is an asset on the defensive end with his ability to get his hands in passing lanes.
Sophomores Trevor Turner, Jarrett Tell and Kendon Doublin will also compete for varsity time. Turner will come off the bench as a ball handler and shooter. Tell was described by Hart as the best 3-point shooter on the team. Doublin provides versatility by being able to play both down low and on the perimeter.
Hart will look for the newcomers to gel with the returning starters to make 2017-18 a successful one for Forsyth.
“We have several young and less experienced players stepping into major roles for us this season,” Hart said. “Our expectations for this season are to continue to compete and improve in every game we play.”
Forsyth opens the season on Nov. 21 at Fair Grove.
