By Jordan Burton (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Forsyth is coming off a 16-11 season, but is one of the most intriguing teams entering the winter.
The Panthers return all five starters and six total lettermen, headlined by standout juniors Chris Halbrook and Tamarkus Holmes.
Halbrook is a 6-foot-4 guard that averaged 17.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Holmes is a 6-foot-1 guard that is one of the best athletes in the area. He added 12.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.3 steals.
“Having them back with a year under their belt helps us tremendously,” Forsyth head coach Kevin Smith. “They have good talent and with a year’s experience it will be very beneficial.”
A trio of seniors also return after great junior seasons.
Cooper Jenkins (6-4) and Jerrett Walls (6-3) both bring size and athleticism to the lineup.
Jenkins averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds while Walls added 2.9 points and 2.9 rebounds.
Classmate Tyler Strahan came on strong last year. The 6-foot guard averaged 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and a pair of assists.
“Tyler is a backbone for us,” said Smith. “He puts us in a position to win games with his basketball IQ. He plays the game the right way. I will rely on him a lot for helping the team on the floor.”
Forsyth will also receive a boost from several newcomers.
Junior Griffin Coen (6-4) provides another big, athletic option that can also step out and score from the perimeter. Classmates Ben Boyer, Reid Wyman and Zeb Sanders will all provide backcourt depth.
Sophomore Cooper Lais (6-4) is yet another interior threat, while Thomas Strahan is a shooter that can play on or off the ball.
Former Forsyth star Tanner Baird will also provide an instant impact. The 7-footer returns after spending time at Link Academy. He’s a Division One prospect that will be the area’s biggest player.
This group took its lumps last year but is now in position to compete for the program’s first district championship in more than a decade.
“What you can expect from us this season is that you will see kids that will play hard,” said Smith. “We were young last year but hope with a lot of people returning we will have a lot more confidence. We will try to play fast when we need to and slow it down when needed. The conference will be very good top to bottom. We have some excellent coaches and teams in the conference. The competition will be fierce to get into the rotation.”
Forsyth will host Chadwick, Cassville and Rush in a jamboree on Nov. 21 before opening the 2024-25 regular season on Nov. 26 at Marshfield.
