By Chris Parker
Forsyth girls basketball has a new head coach in Joe Poor this season. He has had a long career coaching around the lake area. He started as an assistant under Gary Blevins at Forsyth when he was in college. He coached varsity boys at Blue Eye in the early 1990’s and then spent several years in Arkansas. He was the Forsyth girls coach from 2000-06. The past several years he has been in Branson in the junior high and assisting for the high school girls team.
“I retired from Branson last year but was not ready to be finished,” Poor said. “When this position became available, I felt like it was a natural fit. I am excited to be here again.”
The Lady Panthers are coming off an 11-14 season. Some returning varsity players include Lilia Roberts (senior guard), Zoe White (senior guard), Lauren Turner (junior guard), Callie Oldenburg (sophomore center) and Taylor Braden (sophomore guard).
Poor on Roberts: “An intelligent player that shoots it well. I expect leadership from her.”
Poor on White: “Extremely athletic and has a chance to have a real breakout season. Also one of our leaders.”
Poor on Turner: “Looks to be a great scorer with really good range. Will be our only junior and help lead in preparation for next year.”
Poor on Oldenburg: “(She) will give us a physical inside presence. Plays extremely hard.”
Poor on Braden: “Gritty, hard-nosed player that will help us defensively.”
Haiden Holle and Kami Stehle are a pair of sophomores that will add size and rebounding.
Brynli Yarnell and Maci Moore are a pair of freshmen who have a chance to help the varsity right away.
“Brynli Yarnell is a guard that has really good skills, just needs to adapt to the physicality,” Poor said. “Maci Moore is a forward that will add size and strength to our lineup.”
Poor will have his team focus defensively in his first season.
“Our plan is to be very good defensively,” Poor said. “I have tended to be more of an offensive coach and this group offers some opportunities for that with their shooting, but (Branson) Coach (Kip) Bough kind of got me back to the basics of defending, and I am focusing a lot of energy there this year.”
Forsyth opens the regular season Dec. 2-7 at the Blue Eye Invitational.
