The High School Basketball Season got off to an exciting start in Forsyth Tuesday night as the new-look Panthers outlasted Marshfield in double overtime 86-85.
The Panthers, with only one starter returning from last season's 23 win team, led most of the first quarter before the visiting Jays took command and grabbed a lead that stretched to 10 points at one time in the second half. But the Panthers kept making runs and managed to tie the game at the end of regulation.
The Blue Jays once again looked like had taken control, grabbing a three point lead at towards the end of the first overtime though Phoenix Maloney's three from the right corner at the buzzer sent the game to overtime number two.
Both teams had missed opportunities in the second overtime but Tamarkus Holmes driving shot with just under 20 seconds left proved to be the difference as Marshfield's shot with five seconds left missed the mark and Forsyth claimed the rebound and the win.
Holmes and Chris Halbrook led the Panthers with 24 points while Drue Coen added 18. Marshfield's Tegen Curley led all scorers with 32 points.
The Panthers along with area schools Branson, Hollister, and Reeds Spring are among the eight teams in the Forsyth Tournament beginning on Monday.
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