By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Few teams in the Ozarks have higher expectations than Forsyth entering the 2022-23 season.
Yes, entering Kevin Smith’s second season things should be easier for the Panthers in adjusting to Smith’s system. But also, Forsyth boasts one of the biggest lineups in the Ozarks regardless of class.
With four starters back from a team that figured out how to compete better and better as the year went on, expectations around the community should be high.
“We really started playing well in the middle of the season,” said Smith. “We lost several games that were single digit games. But last year we had no letterman returning for leadership and it showed.”
Leading the talented crop of returners is All-Everything senior Ryder Blevins. The 6-foot-4 wing is one of the area’s most athletic players, often putting down unbelievable dunks.
He averaged 16 points and nine rebounds as a junior.
“Ryder is crazy athletic,” said Smith. “His length and size will be a problem. He can be at times a relentless defender. You have to account for where he is all the time. Look for big things from him.”
Senior point guard Zack Strahan will again run the show after averaging 4.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 4.1 assists as a junior. He’s one of the most experienced floor generals in the conference.
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“Zach will do a great job leading for us on the floor,” said Smith. “He can shoot the three-point shot and take care of the ball out of the point guard spot and make plays for others and rebound at a high level for a guard. He is invaluable on the floor.”
Classmates Cooper Voliva, Jaden Campbell and Abe Kincaid give Forsyth experienced guards that can make shots and defend. Thomas Baird gives the Panthers interior size with his 6-foot-7 frame.
Maybe the most intriguing puzzle piece is 6-foot-11 sophomore Tanner Baird, who continues to rapidly ascend up recruiting boards after his play on the summer circuit.
Baird averaged 10.3 points and eight rebounds as a freshman.
“He will cause problems even if he doesn’t touch the ball; people will pinch and double him,” said Smith. “We are preparing for that so we will have the shooters in place and cutters will be cutting. He has grown by leaps and bounds physically and skillset wise. He will be a handful on both sides of the floor.”
Several newcomers will be in the mix as well.
Senior Allister Kreutziger gives Forsyth another guard that can defend at a very high level. Junior Drue Coen gives Forsyth (even more) size at 6-foot-4 with the ability to play inside-out.
Sophomore guards Tyler Strahan and Braxton Gross, as well as classmate forwards Jarrett Walls and Cooper Jenkins, will also compete for minutes.
This season will be the 50th anniversary of Forsyth winning the program’s only state championship back in 1973. This is a proud program that has been to seven Final Fours, but it’s been some time since the Panthers have been to the state tournament.
That could change this year with what is one of the most talented teams in program history.
“I think we could have a good season,” said Smith. “Much will depend on how we blend together. We will have some size and length. We will try to hang our hat on the defensive end and get rebounds. We will play fast when we need to and slow it down when it fits the right situation. Hopefully we will have a chance to play for a conference title and a district title. We have a very challenging schedule this year. Hopefully it will help us toward conference and district play.”
Forsyth will open the 2022-23 season on Nov. 22 with a trip to Marshfield.
