By Kai Raymer (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
The Forsyth Lady Panthers embark on a new journey this winter. Forsyth will have notable changes on the court and sidelines.
Forsyth’s new head coach is Nathan Houk.
Houk previously coached at Ava, where he led the Lady Bears to three straight district championships and 20 or more wins in his last three seasons.
Early on, expect Forsyth to focus on the same principles that made Ava successful: rebounding and defense.
“Our team will need to be tough-minded and physical,” Houk said. “Our half-court defense needs to be solid, and we can build out from there. Rebounding well and using our defense to get stops and generate offense will be the key for our success.”
Forsyth returns its top player and leading scorer in senior Savannah Koen, who brings quality size (5’10”) to the point guard position.
Koen averaged 12 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals per game last season.
“Savannah handles the ball well and is a good passer,” Houk said. “She does a nice job of getting her teammates involved in the flow of the game. She can also score the ball. She has a nice outside shot and does a great job of getting to the basket.”
Down low, Forsyth returns senior forward Annabelle Barrickman. She averaged seven points and six rebounds per game last season and has a solid scoring range.
“She is a strong post presence and does a nice job of finishing around the basket,” Houk said. “She will play inside but is also capable of scoring on the perimeter because of her outside shot.
“Savannah and Belle will provide our team with senior leadership and experience.”
Junior guard Zoe White and sophomore Lauren Turner earned varsity playing time a year ago.
White (4.5 ppg) has good speed, athleticism and is a capable scorer. Forsyth will look for increased offensive production from Turner (1.2 ppg).
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“(Zoe) has a nice perimeter shot, can score in transition, and attacks the basket well off the dribble,” Houk said. “Lauren will need to knock down 3s and attack the basket when the opportunity is there. She is also a great defender. Her quickness allows her to guard well and get up and down the floor in transition.”
Junior Lilly Roberts has good versatility and could be poised for a breakout season. Sophomore Josey Graham gives Forsyth another option in the guard unit.
“Offensively, we will need to be an up-tempo team that looks to score in transition,” Houk said. “But if the easy shot is not there, we will need to exercise patience to get the shot we want.”
Forsyth finished 12-12 overall last season. The Lady Panthers graduated three seniors from that squad: Macy Sanders, McKenzie Calhoun and Emmy Blevins.
The trio started or played in all 24 of Forsyth’s games. Sanders averaged 9.6 points and a team-high 6.5 rebounds per game. Calhoun chipped in 5.5 ppg, while Blevins led the team in 3-pointers made (26) and averaged 6 ppg.
“Their leadership and ability to defend, score and rebound will be missed,” Houk said.
The future is now for Forsyth, as multiple players in a promising freshmen class figure to see varsity playing time right away.
Taylor Braden and Libby Hunter will look to contribute for Forsyth’s backcourt.
“Taylor is a good defender, shoots the ball well from the perimeter and does a nice job of finishing at the basket,” Houk said. “She’s quick and athletic and will be a fun player to coach and watch.
“Libby is an aggressive guard with a nice outside shot who could earn varsity minutes as the season progresses.”
Calli Oldenburg is a 5’9” post who brings good size and physicality to the squad.
“She is very physical, defends well, and does a nice job of finishing around the basket,” Houk said. “Her work ethic will help our team.”
Four other freshmen – Carly Bearden, Haiden Holle, Kami Stehle and Lauren Stauffer – will mostly have JV roles.
“They will be valuable as they will push the varsity (players) in practices,” Houk said.
Forsyth begins the regular season on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Seymour. The Lady Panthers’ home opener is Dec. 7 versus defending Class 3 state champion Fair Grove.
