A high school basketball team with three sophomores and two freshmen in the starting lineup would normally be described as rebuilding or perhaps even in for a long year. Not the case at Dale. That lineup
designation won six tournaments a year ago, including the Class 2A state title. The entire cast is back for more. And the Pirates’ ship sets sail eager to defend that title. “This is a special group of players,” said head coach Jeff Edmonson. “They have worked all off-season like we didn’t win. They work so hard and are focused on getting better.” Edmondson has been with the Dale Public School system for 18 years. His son Easton Edmonson was a starting guard last year as a freshman. The rest of the starting five has direct family ties to basketball coaching. Junior Dayton Forsythe is one of the best players in the state. Forsythe averaged 20 points per game as a sophomore but it’s his all- around ability that allows him such a distinction. “He’s a great leader for this team,” said Edmonson. “There’s nothing he doesn’t do well on a basketball court.” Junior Deken Jones is the other old man on this team. The Dale gymnasium is named for his grandfather, a former basketball coach at the school. Sophomores Levi Kelly and Jett Higdon combined for 16 points per game last year as freshmen. Sophomore Tray Chambers adds height to the Pirates lineup and will play a key role this season. The core part of the group have all been playing together since the third grad. Overall, Dale has 24 players out for basketball in the ninth through twelfth grades. It’s a program that experiences across the board athletic success. “The support we have here from the parents and the school is incredible,” said Edmonson. Expectations are high for this year’s squad. Several of last year’s state tournament participants in Class 2A lost a great deal of scoring and rebounding. Dale will have a chance to prove itself outside the 2A bracket in tournament play. “We are fortunate enough to be invited to compete in the Tournament of Champions. It’s a challenge we are greatly looking forward to.” said Edmonson. The Pirates will see three other defending state champions in Tulsa with Edmond North, Kingfisher and Tulsa Memorial in the TOC field. Defending 3A champion Millwood is in the Dale Tournament field. That’s a lot of big fish to shoot for a 2A team with plenty of high hopes and aspirations. Forsythe & Company is a team to keep an eye on. Their exciting style of play and team chemistry is a can’t miss event every time they take the court, from Class 2A to beyond!
