By Chris Parker
Forsyth girls basketball is coming off a 9-18 season.
Heading into this season, head coach Joe Poor is excited for growing numbers in the program.
“Last year we practiced with seven or eight players on most days,” Poor said. “This year we have 15 out and almost 20 at the junior high. When I took the job last year, I obviously wanted to win but most importantly wanted to see the program be healthy. As long we continue to improve, attract players into the program at all levels we will eventually get where we need to be. It is a process, and I enjoy going through it.”
Lauren Turner is the team’s lone returning senior. She was an honorable mention all-conference selection last season. Turner led the team with 10.8 points per game with 3.5 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.
“She is a competitor that will help set our defensive tone and we need her to rebound more this year,” Poor said. “She is a scorer, especially from three-point range, and will draw a lot of defense’s attention.”
Junior Taylor Braden returns to play point guard. She scored 2.7 points per game with a team-high 3.2 assists per game.
“Taylor Braden is our point guard and started to understand her role more and more as the season progressed last year,” Poor said. “I expect her to not only be a defensive presence but to help us get the shots we are looking for.”
Junior Haiden Holle played a key reserve role as a sophomore.
“Haiden Holle came off the bench last year as a rebounder and defender,” Poor said. “She will do great in those roles again. This year, we hope she is more of an offensive threat.”
Sophomore Maci Moore saw varsity action as a freshman.
“Maci hit some big shots and played some very important minutes for us last year,” Poor said. “We expect major production from her this year on both ends of the floor.”
Libby Hunter (junior guard), Kaylee Garrison (junior forward) and Riley Olson (junior) are additions to the varsity level to watch.
Hunter missed last season with a knee injury.
“(We are) very excited for her return as she offers defensive tenacity, and she will definitely help with handling the ball against pressure,” Poor said. “She also seems to be shooting the ball really well and will provide a needed boost to our offense.”
Garrison is a transfer from Chadwick.
“Kaylee is moving in from Chadwick. She is long and athletic,” Poor said. “We expect her to be able to play help positions and help on both ends of the floor as well as rebound.”
Olson has had a strong off-season.
“Riley has put in a lot of time over the summer and this off-season, and we expect that to translate for her in playing time and production,” Poor said.
Poor also said there is a large group of freshmen who could help at the varsity level.
Chemistry is a strength for the team this season.
“I think our biggest strength will be team chemistry, as this group gets along really well,” Poor said. “We will have a defensive emphasis and hope that our second year of playing this defense will make us even better.”
Poor wants to see his team take better care of the ball.
“We need to limit turnovers,” Poor said. “Pressure hurt us last year at times and that has to improve. We need to execute well enough to get our shots and allow opportunities to score or rebound. Live ball turnovers is one of our biggest enemies.”
Forsyth opens the season Dec. 1-6 at the Blue Eye Tournament.
“We need to compete every night,” Poor said. “Last year, we had some games where we got down but we fought. That mentality has to continue where people know that we are going to play hard for 32 minutes. Hopefully our skills improve and results get better but first and foremost is compete for all 32 minutes no matter what.”
