By Chris Parker
The Forsyth boys basketball team has produced three straight winning seasons with win totals of 20, 14 and 17.
Now some of the key players to that success are back for another run.
Panthers Head Coach Eric Rogers points to senior guards Buck Sanders and Gavin Lux as two key leaders for the team. Sanders averaged 7.5 points, 1.9 assists and 1.75 steals per game last year.
“Buck has always been our motor that never stops. He plays hard 100% of the time. I never have to question his effort because he brings everything he has every game and practice,” Rogers said. “Buck’s defense is what is so impressive. He is extremely fast with quick hands and he creates turnovers on the defensive end.
Lux averaged 10.1 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game last season.
“Gavin knows the game of basketball,” Rogers said. “He has always been a terrific shooter, but he added to his game last season with the ability to finish at the basket. He became a multiple threat and has become a better defender in the offseason.”
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Rogers points to three seniors and a junior as other key contributors this winter.
The seniors are Devyn Rains, Zach Mann and Hunter Creson while the junior is Trevor Huey. Mann scored the most of that group last year.
“[Zach] is ready for a big season. He’s a forward who can score when needed. He has a feel for the game. He has good interior passing skills. Zach has some range on his outside shots as well,” Rogers said.
Seniors Jaden Rudderham and Josh Strahan will also contribute important minutes for the Panthers.
Junior Colton Long joins sophomores Levi Lux, Zack Strahan and Thomas Baird as the newcomers expected to make an impact this year.
Overall, the Panthers have options and Rogers thinks they’re coming together nicely.
“This team will be very balanced and we will work hard. They are unselfish and play well with each other. We have a good chemistry with one another and they are fun to coach,” Rogers said.
The Panthers get their first chance to show that chemistry with a home game versus Mansfield on Nov. 24.
