By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Forsyth will welcome a host of new faces this season, including head coach Kevin Smith.
Smith, a 26-year coaching veteran, moves over from Crane and inherits a squad that finished with a 14-13 record last season.
The Panthers fell to Willow Springs in the district tournament opening round.
A deep graduating class moves on from the program in Buck Sanders, Gavin Lux, Devyn Rains, Zach Mann, Hunter Creson, Jaden Rudderham and Josh Strathan.
“Last year’s team could really shoot the ball,” Smith said. “They had good depth from a deep senior class,” Smith said. “I think the biggest challenges will be to implement our new systems offensively and defensively into a whole new team that graduated most of the varsity. Inexperience at the varsity level will possibly show at times.”
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
The Panthers will be led by a pair of returning lettermen in senior Trevor Huey, a 6-foot point guard, and junior Thomas Baird, a 6-foot-7 forward.
“Trevor is going to be a really good point guard for us,” Smith said. “I think he has a good handle with the basketball and passes it well. Thomas has really improved his perimeter shooting and dribbling skills to attack the basket. His length, rebounding, scoring and defending will cause problems.”
With only two players returning, Forsyth’s roster will be full of opportunities for varsity newcomers this season.
Panther seniors include 6-foot-3 forward Colton Long, 5-foot-11 senior forward Garrett Mudgett, 5-foot-1 guard Jackson Sauffer, 6-foot-2 guard Gage Blevins and 5-foot-11 guard Zack Strahan.
Juniors newcomers include 6-foot-3 forward Levi Lux, 6-foot guard Cooper Voliva, 5-foot-11 guard Allister Kreutziger, 6-foot-4 forward Ryder Blevins and 5-foot-11 guard Abrium Kincaid.
6-foot-3 sophomore Drue Coen and 6-foot-9 freshman Tanner Baird will also compete for varsity minutes this season.
“The varsity will be wide open as you can tell by the list,” Smith said. “The competition will be tough for playing time or even getting on the floor. There could be several good players struggling to play. This is a good thing to deal with as a coach.”
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
With so many new and inexperienced players on the roster, Smith expects his Panther squad could struggle early as chemistry and roles develop.
“In the first year it is all about creating your culture and getting kids and parents to buy in,” Smith said. “I think we will have our ups and downs as we begin the year. But I think we will be a tough out in our games.”
Despite a lack of overall varsity experience, Smith believes his squad will be deep and versatile this season.
“Some of our strengths will be size and athleticism,” Smith said. “This might be the biggest and longest team I have coached. We will look good getting off the bus. But will we be able to blend it all together?”
Forsyth opens its season Nov. 23 at Mansfield.
